The Medium of Instruction in Chinese L2 Classrooms in Scotland: An Investigation of Attitudes and Practices

The choice and use of mediums of instruction have been controversial issues in foreign language education, including Chinese L2 teaching. Rational employment of mediums of instruction is significant in promoting effective foreign language classroom teaching worldwide. So far, relevant research on Scotland is still lacking. This article investigates teachers’ attitudes and practices of mediums of instruction in Chinese L2 classrooms in Scotland. Based on a questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews, the study found that most teachers were inclined to a bilingual form of instruction and supported L1 use in classes. Classroom observation demonstrated the language choices and practices in actual classes, reflecting a relatively strong reliance on English. The findings revealed the pros and cons of L1 as a medium of instruction, to some extent. Suggestions were thus offered for teachers on the reasonable use of mediums of instruction. The article also calls for further research on the effectiveness of the use of mediums of instruction in diverse world contexts.

Keywords

medium of instruction language choice foreign language education Chinese Scotland

source

International Journal of Chinese Language Education; Jun 2022; Issue No. 11; p.139 - 172

Publisher

Department of Chinese Language Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong
Chinese Language Program, Columbia University
Chung Hwa Book Co. (H.K.) Ltd.

Language

English

ISSN

2520-7733 (Print); 2521-4241 (Online)