From the Back Cover
This book presents a case study of English-Medium Instruction (EMI) implemented by universities in Vietnam, making valuable theoretical, empirical, and methodological contributions to the research in EMI which is currently a popular theme in the field of Higher Education. The importance of internationalization of higher education has been widely recognized by many countries all over the world. The spread of English as an international language has resulted in its crucial role in teaching and learning any disciplines. Globally, higher education in many non-English speaking countries has witnessed rapid expansion of (EMI) which was initiated in Europe, then to Asia and other continents which are featured with "Cultural Circles" spread in the world.
Although there are many publications with the same theme available today, this monograph is unique because it is the first time to examine EMI classroom interaction from the cultural perspective specifically rather than from linguistic or pedagogical perspectives. It is a pioneering attempt to discuss in depth about cultural issues relating to EMI, namely (1) the social-cultural context of EMI classes in higher education; (2) the cultural backgrounds of EMI teachers and learners; and (3) culture interactions between teachers and learners in EMI classrooms. In addition, both quantitative and qualitative methods are employed to collect data from teachers and learners. Finally, a context-based model of EMI is proposed based on findings of this research.
As a country within the Confucius Heritage Cultural Circle, Vietnam has been selected for this study because few studies to date are carried out in how EMI is culturally integrated to teaching and learning in the Vietnamese universities. This book is a joint effort by international academics, prepared for established scholars, researchers, educators, and research higher degree students who are interested in higher education, second and foreign language education and EMI teacher training.
Dr. Thi Quynh Huong Luu is a lecturer at Vietnam Maritime University. She received her bachelor's degree at the College of Foreign Language and International Studies, Vietnam National University Hanoi and a master's degree at Northumbria University, UK, as well as a Ph.D. degree at the University of Newcastle, Australia. Her research interests include English-medium instruction, pedagogies and teaching strategies, English for specific purposes, and culture in language education and Maritime English. She has presented at several international conferences.
Dr Helena Sit is Senior Lecturer and Ph.D. supervisor in the School of Education at the University of Newcastle, Australia. Her research expertise includes Second Language Education, International Education, Higher Education and Teacher Education. She speaks and publishes widely on internationalisation, transformative learning, and innovative language education programmes. Her research has been nationally and internationally recognised in her discipline. She is an invited visiting scholar to the University of Hong Kong and the University of Cambridge.
Dr. Shen Chen is a multilingual teacher educator in School of Education at University of Newcastle, Australia. In his more than 30 years of teaching career, he taught in Melbourne University, Deakin University in Australia, before he moved to University of Newcastle in 1993. He has been invited as a visiting scholar or professor in University of Cambridge, University of California, Berkeley, University of British Columbia, and University of Hong Kong, etc.
