Job Discussion Forums

[ImanH]

I had an interesting discussion with a Turkish lecturer of international relations the other day and wondered what others� views are on his dilemma. The degree that is offered at the university where he lectures is meant to include some courses taught in English. His course is one such course; however, it is also one of the more central courses to the degree (Theories of IR). Students complain that they cannot fully understand it in English (this is despite the degree programme including one year preparatory English) and that having to study the course in English complicates an already complex subject. He has opted to lecture in Turkish because he feels it is his responsibility to provide students with a sound basis in the subject he is qualified to teach, and is best able to do so in their (and his) native language. However, he is also in something of a dilemma as he appreciates that one of the reasons students are meant to be taught in English is so that they are better able to access a wider range of resources in their subject area. I should add, though, that much of the reading material for the course is in English. Consequently, he is not entirely abandoning English, merely lecturing in Turkish and allowing students to use Turkish in seminars.
There are all sorts of interesting issues related to whether or not degrees in non-English speaking countries should be fully or partially taught in English. I am more interested, though, in hearing whether (and why) others think a non-native speaker who is a lecturer in another subject area is doing his best by his students by teaching in English or, when the students have requested it, by teaching in their own and students� mother tongue?

[homersimpson]

[Chris_Crossley]

[ChinaMovieMagic]

I recall reading some time ago that in Malaysia's national universities:

*science students were predominantly women
*literature students were predominantly men

because......science classes were taught in English, and literature classes were taught in Malay...

[Roger]

In all former colonies the official language, and the language of instruction at higher schools, tend to be the language of the former colonial power; in Singapore English is the medium of instruction for all and anybody, at least at university level.
In the E.U. many a university uses a language other than the local first tongue in its instruction; some have adopted English although this is nowhere even only the second national tongue!

I think students must choose wisely and take their ability into consideration. Studying in the national language prepares them for a career in their own country, but studying in a second or foreign language prepares them for further studies abroad.
In China, ever more schools adopt English as the language of instruction in certain subjects, and it is a disservice for the teacher to switch to the students;' preferred tongue. Often the idea is that studying in the target language gives them a head start when they enrol at foreign universities.
In Hong Kong, for example, English medium schools have traditionally been regarded as elite schools. There is so much competition to be admitted there that it is unfair to all who lost out when the courses are held in their native tongue rather than in the published foreign language.

[guty]

[ImanH]

Thanks for the responses so far. I think they've somewhat reflected the back and forth-ness I've felt on this topic.
For example, homersimpson, I initially thought as you did that:

[moonraven]

Homer is half right.

The responsibility of the university is to see that students' levels of English are adequate before they are allowed to take courses in English.

Last year I served as Dean for one of those kinds of programs at a private university in South America. We tested the English levels of every student who enrolled. Students who did poorly took ESL courses until their levels of English improved. For students who had deficiencies in writing, grammar or speaking we offered what were called "Bridge" courses--essentially remedial courses. Students had to take those courses before being admitted to courses in their majors in English.

The process I just described worked well. I taught the remedial writing course, so I know exactly what level the students had when they finished the course.

As it was my responsibility to see that teachers had the necessary English level to give university courses in their specialty areas in English, but ALSO that their pedagogical skills were up to the task. I observed and re-oriented the majority of the teachers, as the problem was NOT their English level, nor their lack of preparation in the subjects, but their poor teaching skills. Nobody had ever helped them to become teachers--to maintain a dialog with students instead of nattering on in front of the classroom and to transfer the responsibility for learning and presenting to the students.

I think in the case mentioned by the OP the process of insuring appropriate English levels on the part of students and faculty is not being followed by the university. Or else the prof in question simply doesn't know how to teach--which also comes back on the university.

[dmb]

I've taught at a private university in Istanbul where the medium should have been in English. I remember one student complaining to me about lecturers using Turkish in the classroom. He wasn't Turkish and didn't speak Turkish. He enrolled in the class because it was supposed to be in English. Are all the students Turkish speakers?

[ImanH]

moonraven, the university is not a private institution but a state one and I doubt would be in a position to offer the types of bridge courses you describe, although I will suggest it to the lecturer. Any other suggestions, bearing in mind poor levels of resources at state universities in Turkey?
dmb, yes all the students are and speak Turkish. It was the students not the lecturer who wanted classes in Turkish. It's an interesting additional perspective to the problem though - I wonder how often that does happen, in Turkey and elsewhere.

[Stephen Jones]

[Otterman Ollie]

So is it worse when you have the same situation taking place in a private English medium university ?
The students pay high fees, get a prep class programme thrown at them,pass an exam before entering faculty classes, then the lecturers discover that the logists class or International relations groups can't follow the course in English .
Clearly something needs to be rectified here . suggestions and comments please .Is this the norm in Turkey ?

[lucy k]

[juststeven]

I'm sure all of you are professionals. You're dedicated educators and very intelligent. The concept of 'English-Only' instruction is a joke! Those of us that have worked in the Middle East know what a bubble of illusion it is! I don't know what it's like in Turkey, maybe it's different, but I doubt it. I do know what it's like in Saudi (as does Mr. Jones), Bahrain, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. English education is a joke! Grades (marks) are a joke. I know, I've played the game as I'm sure you have! Everyone must pass and if they don't you are at fault, yes? To them the word cheating means nothing, they are helping. I could go on and on but, I don't need to because I know you understand. The sad thing about it is when you have a couple of young men that you know have potential and the others rely upon them for answers and keep them down to their level.
I don't know. They just have a different attitude toward education than we do; not just English, but even Arabic and Islamic studies. They don't compete for grades, the only thing that matters is to pass. We can discuss teaching techniques and curriculum, but 90% of it is classroom management and keeping administrative 'locals' of our a@@. Am I wrong?
Final note: It confuses me that we are forcing our concept of government upon them.

[Roger]