Investigating the Adoption of English as a Medium of Instruction in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Tlemcen: The Case of First-Year Students

Abstract

The year 2023 marked a turning point in the history of Algerian higher education with the introduction of English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI). This exploratory study investigated the implementation of EMI at the University of Tlemcen, focusing specifically on first-year students in the Department of Mathematics. It aimed to identify the challenges that both teachers and students faced while learning and teaching subject content in English and to propose possible solutions to improve its implementation. To achieve these objectives, data were collected through four classroom observations, five interviews with teachers, and 59 student questionnaires. The analysis, conducted using a mixed-methods approach, revealed that both teachers and students had limited proficiency in English, which hindered effective teaching, learning, and communication. However, these difficulties could be addressed through appropriate interventions. The study recommended providing both teachers and students with English for Specific Purposes (ESP) support programs and promoting translanguaging practices to improve outcomes in the EMI context.