On some issues about English medium instruction in Armenian higher education institutions: based on the desk and field study of the Erasmus + SMARTI Project

Abstract

This article is an attempt to present the benefits and challenges of English medium instruction (EMI) and its implementation in Armenian higher education institutions. Through statistically reliable and significant findings of the surveys conducted within the framework of Erasmus + SMARTI Project a qualitative and quantitative analysis has been carried out to identify the gaps existing in the mode of delivery and methodology of EMI and offer ways of bridging that gap. The article highlights the perceived benefits of EMI that include, but are not limited to, boosting internationalisation and quality assurance in Armenian higher education institutions through revising institutional policies, mechanisms and tools in line with Tuning Methodology from a student-centred and labour-market-demand perspective on both national and international levels. To attain these ambitious goals, the article offers step-by-step solutions to a plethora of obstacles and issues that Armenian higher education institutions currently encounter.

Keywords:

• English medium instruction
• higher education
• quality assurance
• internationalisation
• mobility
• SMARTI Project

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

* The full project name is Support for Innovative Methodology, Approaches and Tools for Teaching through the Medium of English in order to Improve Educational Yield, Sustainability and Internationalisation.