RIOC Grant (2016-2018)

During the 2016-2018 academic years we were fortunate to receive funding and support from the Research Institute for Oriental Cultures (RIOC) at Gakushuin University. We are greatful for their generous assistance.

Project Title

アジアの高等教育におけるCLIL (内容・言語統一型学習)の応用と実践

CLIL in Higher Education in Asia: Application and Practice

Overview:

This is an exploratory research project that is a comparative study of the bridge/preparatory language programs (courses) for English-medium instruction (EMI) degree programs in Asian countries where English is not the official language (non-English Asian countries). The main focus is on how "content" is dealt with in the bridge language programs, including the application of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL). This project is funded by the Research Institute for Oriental Cultures (RIOC) at Gakushuin University. In addition to the annual report presented at the RIOC annual meeting held in June, the final report will be published in the RIOC occasional paper series by March 2020.

The Study:

This is primarily a survey study in which the researchers study the preparatory language component of the selected tertiary EMI programs by analyzing the data collected through visits and interviews with faculty members (and administration staff) at the participating institutions and publicly available existing data such as university brochures, program pamphlets, and information on websites. By comparing the range of programs in their goals, structures, practices, and particularly how “content” linked with the academic discipline of the degree offered, it is hoped that the study will reveal general as well as contextually specific factors contributing to the development of the successful bridge component and EMI programs. By sharing the results with the participating institutions and the wider audience, the study should offer possible directions and new ideas for further development of such programs to prepare students for today’s globalized world.

Participants:

Within Japan – Four to five degree programs that offer their curriculum fully or partially using English as the medium of instruction (EMI) for the academic content

Outside Japan – One or more programs from each of the following countries: Indonesia, Taiwan, and Vietnam

Confidentiality:

Participating institutions will not be identified by name, location, or description. In the event of any public use of data, such as a direct quote from an interview transcript, its source will be identified by pseudonym.