Introductory integrated and content language (ICL) courses for freshmen at a Korean science and engineering school

Abstract

Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, one of the most well-regarded universities in Korea, adopted an English-medium instruction (EMI) policy that mandated all classes to be taught in English in 2007. Since then the school has implemented a series of English support programs for students. This year the school has introduced integrated content and language (ICL) courses. In the introductory ICL courses for freshmen, five content-area professors and EFL professors taught together, and each course consisted of pre-language activities, content class, and post-language activities. Results of questionnaire and interview surveys show that overall students were satisfied but content professors' teacher-centered instruction needs improvement. This session will demonstrate how the ICL courses were conducted, what the results were, and how they should be improved. Language specialists and administrators at international universities with an EMI policy will find this session helpful.