NTNU Partners with Columbia University to Launch Advanced EMI Development Program
NTNU has collaborated with Teachers College, Columbia University, a globally recognized leader in education, to create Taiwan’s only EMI (English as a Medium of Instruction) professional development program focused on pedagogical research. Educators in the program will receive mentorship from a distinguished teaching team and have opportunities to interact directly with leading experts in the field.
In alignment with the broader trend towards internationalization, the EMI Teaching Resource C00enter at NTNU has actively promoted the advancement of EMI by implementing a structured teacher training program tailored to varying levels of proficiency. This initiative aims to equip instructors with the skills to execute EMI teaching and reflective practices systematically. Dr. Meihui Liu, Vice President for Academic Affairs at NTNU, said by collaborating with Teachers College, Columbia University, NTNU aspires to draw insights from diverse pedagogical models and policies to enhance the quality of English instruction and facilitate effective knowledge transfer. This collaboration is expected to elevate the role of EMI educators as researchers and to contribute significantly to the overall quality assurance of EMI practices.
According to the U.S. News & World Report, Columbia University’s Teachers College, ranked first in the United States, and National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU), ranked seventh globally, are both recognized among the top ten educational institutions worldwide for their exceptional teacher training programs. Dr. Yeu-Ting Liu, NTNU’s Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Director of the Center for Academic Literacy, and an alumnus of Columbia University’s Teachers College, highlighted Columbia’s influential role in shaping the educational landscape. As the originator of the educational doctoral training system and a pioneer in behavioral psychology and positivist philosophy, Columbia is the oldest and largest educational institution in the United States. This collaboration not only reflects the leadership positions of both universities but also promotes a dynamic exchange of academic expertise. Professors from both institutions will engage in various activities, including classroom observations, on-site discussions, and academic roundtables, providing participants with valuable opportunities for professional development.
Ya-Chu Fan, Associate Executive Officer of NTNU’s Resource Center for EMI, stated that NTNU offers a three-tiered professional development program for EMI educators: basic, advanced, and research-focused. Developed in collaboration with Columbia University, the training program emphasizes both pedagogical practice and research. It integrates various instructional methods, including synchronous and asynchronous online teaching, on-site mentoring, and fieldwork, to create a comprehensive learning experience. Course modules encompass needs assessment and learning analysis, foundational teaching skills, 21st-century teaching strategies, and the science and practice of instruction. The primary objective is to enhance educators’ practical experience in EMI. Participants are expected to conduct action research on integrated learning modules and engage in continuous reflection and iterative adjustments to effectively apply their knowledge in real-world teaching contexts.
Teachers participating in the nine-month training program, held from November 2024 to July 2025, will complete a capstone project that integrates the course material with the advanced pedagogical approaches of Columbia University’s Teachers College. Working closely with experts, participants will engage in collaborative research that examines the professional growth of EMI educators, offering a deeper understanding of their development from a research-based perspective. This structure is designed to help teachers refine their classroom strategies and strengthen their practical skills in EMI teaching.
Interested applicants must demonstrate strong English proficiency and be prepared to fully engage in both the coursework and research components. Educators who meet these criteria are encouraged to apply to enhance their teaching skills and collaborate with world-renowned experts to elevate the quality of EMI instruction. The application deadline is October 20, 2024.