Beyond the threshold: Exploring English language proficiency, linguistic challenges, and academic language skills of Japanese students in an English medium instruction programme

• Published in: Language teaching research : LTR Vol. 27; no. 4; pp. 837 - 861
• Main Authors: Aizawa, Ikuya, Rose, Heath, Thompson, Gene, Curle, Samantha
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.07.2023; Sage Publications Ltd
• Subjects: Academic Language; Barriers; Business Administration Education; Business English; College students; Educational Environment; English (Second Language); English as a second language tests; English for academic purposes; English language; English proficiency; Factor Analysis; Foreign Countries; International Trade; Japanese; Language of Instruction; Language Proficiency; Language Skills; Language Tests; Learning environment; Motivation; Native Language; Predictor Variables; Prior Learning; Second Language Instruction; Second Language Learning; Student Attitudes; Student Motivation; Students; Teaching Methods; Thresholds; Undergraduate Students; Japan (Tokyo); Japan; higher education; academic language skills; challenges; Japan; English language proficiency; English medium of instruction (EMI)
• ISSN: 1362-1688; 1477-0954
• DOI: 10.1177/1362168820965510

This article examines the relationship between Japanese undergraduate students’ English language proficiency and English language-related challenges faced when studying an international business course through English. It also examines English language proficiency thresholds students need to reach in each academic skill (i.e. reading, listening, speaking and writing) to experience a lower level of linguistic challenges. A total of 264 students were surveyed in Tokyo, Japan, and 13 follow-up interviews were conducted. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses confirmed the underlying factors in the EMI (English medium of instruction) Challenges Scale loaded onto a priori assumptions of dimensions falling along skill-based constructs. Analysis of questionnaire data revealed that English language proficiency (i.e. TOEIC score) was a statistically significant predictor of challenges in the EMI programme. While no clear discernible threshold was observed, the differences in perceived ease of study at different levels of English proficiency influenced the challenges students reported for each academic skill. Interview data uncovered the multi-faceted nature of how the thresholds are determined not only by language proficiency but also by other factors, such as prior content knowledge, motivation, and the classroom learning environment. Practical implications for pedagogy are also discussed.