Online EMI learner engagement and perceptions of teaching and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

This study examined Korean university students’ online English as the Medium of Instruction (EMI) engagement and perceptions of teaching and learning, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students were issued an online questionnaire, which indicated that those who have experienced EMI classes engage more for performance gains, while students who have prior online learning experiences tend to centre more on skills and emotional engagement. Predictors of engagement were perceptions of warmth and openness, as well as organisation. Implications for practice, such as showing concern and empathy to increase engagement, are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• EMI
• online learning
• engagement
• teacher presence
• organisation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Hyejung Lim

Hyejung Lim is an adjunct professor at the Graduate School of Education, Korea University in Seoul, Korea. She specialises in social and psychological issues in education, especially educational gap, child care problems, and parental educational involvement.

Yvette Denise Murdoch

Yvette Denise Murdoch is an associate professor in the Department of English Education at Hongik University in Seoul, Korea. She has a professional and personal interest in contributing to the betterment of the EMI and English Education teaching-learning environments.

Jiyoung Cho

Jiyoung Cho is an assistant professor in the Department of Liberal Arts, College of Liberal Arts & Sociology at Bucheon University in Bucheon, Korea.