Experts from 28 Countries Convene to Discuss EMI Education
The 'Collaborative Construction of Knowledge Through EMI' conference, held from October 25th to 26th, centered on advancing research and practices in English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI). Organized by NTNU, the event brought together 21 scholars from diverse fields within language and education, with speakers from Austria, Belgium, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, attended by NTNU President Cheng-Chih Wu, Vice President of Academic Affairs Mei-Hui Liu, and Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Yeu-Ting Liu. The conference engaged educators and students from 28 countries through a combination of in-person and live-streamed sessions, promoting global exchange on EMI teaching approaches and experiences.
The conference attracted participants from New Zealand, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Chile, and Italy, among other countries. To broaden access and encourage exchange, all sessions were live-streamed, allowing scholars unable to attend in person to join discussions and examine practical applications in EMI instruction from various contexts. The two-day event included over 200 online and on-site participants. Led by NTNU Yushan Scholar and Chair Professor Amy B.M. Tsui and Professor Chiu-Lan Chen of the Department of English (Chair of the Conference Preparatory Committee), the conference organized seven sessions with faculty from diverse fields, including life sciences, music, architecture, design, chemistry, history, and marine environmental sciences. These sessions included collaboration with language education scholars to exchange practices and insights in EMI teaching. The conference concluded with a roundtable discussion where speakers examined the applications and challenges of interdisciplinary collaboration in EMI education.
International Scholars Examine the Future of EMI Teaching
Prominent scholars participating in the conference included:
- Professor John Airey from Stockholm University
- Professor Samantha Curle from the University of Bath
- Professor David Lasagabaster from the University of the Basque Country
- Professor Robert Wilkinson from Maastricht University
- Professor Jack Pun from City University of Hong Kong
In his opening remarks, President Cheng-Chih Wu thanked Professor Amy B.M. Tsui and the preparatory team for their work and expressed hope that the conference would contribute to EMI knowledge development. Designated by the Ministry of Education as one of four benchmark institutions in bilingual education in 2021 and reaffirmed in 2023, NTNU established the Office of Bilingual Education and the Center for Academic Literacy to support teachers and students in EMI courses. President Cheng-Chih Wu noted that all NTNU departments now offer at least 18 credits in EMI courses, enhancing learning resources for students.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Bilingual Education
The conference featured several NTNU faculty with extensive EMI teaching experience who are actively involved in collaborative research with international scholars. President Cheng-Chih Wu emphasized NTNU's commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration in bilingual education, noting that this model aims to further educational development. In their opening presentation, Professors Amy B.M. Tsui and John Airey addressed 'Collaborative Construction of Knowledge: Interdisciplinary Collaboration Through English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI).' This presentation established the conference theme, offering specific recommendations on EMI course content and research directions.
Language as a Component of Knowledge Construction
Professors Amy B.M. Tsui and John Airey argued that language is essential in knowledge construction. They identified two discipline types: 'hierarchical structures' in fields like natural sciences, where language serves as a carrier of knowledge, and 'horizontal structures' in humanities, where high context dependency makes language constructive. The conference sought to bring together experts in professional and language education fields to explore how EMI courses can be adapted for different knowledge types.
The event also promoted 'participatory research,' encouraging students and teachers to act as co-researchers to improve research relevance and foster a shared sense of ownership in knowledge creation.