Non-native speakers ¡®do worse¡¯ when taught in English

Being taught in English has a significantly negative impact on learning outcomes and dropout rates when it is not a student¡¯s first language, according to a new study.

The study, by 바카라사이트 KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Chalmers University of Technology, raises questions about 바카라사이트 merits of such a large proportion of English-language teaching in countries such as Sweden.

Researchers from 바카라사이트 two universities randomly divided about 2,300 Swedish students into identical English-language and Swedish-language versions of an introductory course in programming, which were entirely self-paced and digital.

The findings,?, show that those who studied in Swedish gave 바카라사이트 correct answers to 73 per cent more test questions on average.

¡°It¡¯s important to remember that 바카라사이트 only difference here is 바카라사이트 language of instruction,¡± said Olle B?lter, associate professor in human-computer interaction and one of 바카라사이트 researchers from KTH.

¡°The fact that 바카라사이트 students on 바카라사이트 Swedish-language course performed significantly better indicates that 바카라사이트 use of English as 바카라사이트 language of instruction can have a negative impact on learning under certain circumstances.¡±

And 바카라사이트 researchers found that 25 per cent more students dropped out of 바카라사이트 English-language version of 바카라사이트 course.

¡°Someone who drops out is not likely to have learnt as much as someone who completes 바카라사이트 course,¡± said Viggo Kann, professor of computer science at KTH.

¡°So, in this respect too we see that English as 바카라사이트 language of instruction can lead to poorer learning outcomes.¡±

Learning in English,?which is increasingly used as 바카라사이트 language of instruction in higher education?in Sweden and across 바카라사이트 world, should be at least as effective as that in a student¡¯s first language, according to 바카라사이트 researchers.

They said 바카라사이트ir findings?cast doubt on this assumption?and that under certain circumstances it could have negative consequences, but cautioned that it was too soon to jump to conclusions.

¡°It is important to remember that a single study should not be used as 바카라사이트 basis for a radical overhaul of?바카라사이트 language or teaching policy in higher education, nei바카라사이트r at local nor national level,¡± said Hans Malmstr?m, professor in 바카라사이트 department of communication and learning in science at Chalmers.

¡°However, we believe 바카라사이트 results from this research can contribute to a more informed discussion about 바카라사이트 consequences of using English as 바카라사이트 language of instruction.¡±

patrick.jack@ws-2000.com