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The Implementation of Technology in Supporting English-Medium Instruction in Multilingual University Settings: A Case Study of Economics

  • Fiona Xiaofei Tang*
  • , Tianhao Zhi
  • , Xuenan Huo
  • *Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapters, Conference Papers, Creative and Literary WorksRGC 12 - Chapter in an edited book (Author)peer-review

Abstract

Economics is a major course offered to undergraduate students enrolled in the financial mathematics programme at a Chinese English-medium instruction (EMI) university. This course is an example of cross-disciplinary instructional initiatives that integrate finance, economics, mathematical theory, statistics, and computer science through the medium of English to cultivate future global financial professionals. The course aims to deliver the fundamental principles of economic theories at both micro and macro levels, as well as to develop students’ critical thinking skills in analysing current global economic affairs. This study examines the use of digital technologies in the design and implementation of an economics course using EMI in a multilingual university setting. By conducting a focus-group discussion with students, an online questionnaire, class observation, and semi-structured interviews with instructors, the chapter explores how technology supports Chinese-speaking students to address language-related issues in learning practices such as lecture comprehension and the acquisition of discipline-specific vocabulary. Pedagogical suggestions are provided, including ways in which tertiary practitioners and policy makers can exploit digital tools to facilitate English-medium education in a multilingual environment. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2023.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMultilingual Education Yearbook 2023
Subtitle of host publicationTeaching with Technology in English-Medium Instruction Universities in Multilingual China
EditorsJohn Corbett, Edith M. Y. Yan, Jackie Yeoh, Juyoung Lee
Place of PublicationCham
PublisherSpringer 
Pages141-158
ISBN (Electronic)978-3-031-32811-4
ISBN (Print)978-3-031-32810-7, 978-3-031-32813-8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023

Publication series

NameMultilingual Education Yearbook
ISSN (Print)2522-5421
ISSN (Electronic)2522-543X

Bibliographical note

Research Unit(s) information for this publication is provided by the author(s) concerned.

Research Keywords

  • English-medium instruction (EMI)
  • Economics
  • Digital tools
  • Chinese higher education

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