New Perspectives in Science Education
Study of Students’ Assessment of Academic Staff Proficiency in English as Instruction and Communication Medium at University of Library Studies and Information Technologies, Bulgaria
Vanya Yakova, University of Library Studies and Information Technologies (Bulgaria)
Abstract
A pivotal internationalisation strategy for higher education institutions is the provision of programmes taught in English. The success of such initiatives is contingent upon the provision of adequate language support for all parties involved. The evaluation of English language proficiency among academic personnel is a vital component in the pursuit of ensuring the provision of education of a consistently high standard in English. The present paper has two primary objectives. Firstly, it sets out the findings of a survey on the use of English as a medium of information and communication during the learning process as perceived by students at the University of Library Studies and Information Technologies, Sofia, Bulgaria. Secondly, it provides their assessment of the language proficiency of the academic staff. The research study, which was conducted among the students as a component of a broader project investigating attitudes towards the necessity of enhancing the foreign language proficiency of the academic personnel of the institution, yielded notable findings. Utilising a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, the report synthesises data derived from a survey administered to students from May to the conclusion of September of the current year. The findings indicate that although the utilisation of English as the medium of instruction in the classroom is not prevalent among educators, there is a segment of undergraduates who express a preference for certain disciplines to be taught in English. With regard to students, the findings of the study indicate a lack of interest in the prospect of having subjects studied in English. The conclusions emphasise the necessity of conducting a campaign amongst both academic staff and students to raise awareness of the importance and benefits of including English-taught disciplines in higher education.
Keywords: English language proficiency; higher education; academic staff; students; evaluation
REFERENCES
Kalnberzina, V., Karapetjana, I. (2021) Assessment of Academic Staff Performance in English Medium Instruction. Baltic Journal of English Language, Literature and Culture. Vol. 11, 2021: 52-64. https://doi.org/10.22364/BJELLC.11.2021.04
