EMI_Conference_IMG
Date
Thursday 04 December 2014 -
13:30 to 17:20
Location
Sophia University Yotsuya Campus, Central Library L-911

The Globalisation of Higher Education: Insights and Challenges of Teaching Using English as Medium of Instruction (EMI)

Internationalisation remains an important aspect of the strategic agenda for leading universities around the world.  In addition to the recruitment of international talent and production of high quality research, recent initiatives to increase the number and quality of courses using English as a medium of instruction (EMI) have become a key factor in the globalisation of higher education.  

During this exclusive event, leading practitioners from Europe and Asia will share their experiences and insights on the development of EMI programs and examine some of the challenges of implementing EMI in non-English speaking countries. 

Date and time: Thursday 4 December 2014, 13:30-17:20 (13:00 Doors Open)
Venue: Sophia University Yotsuya Campus, Central Library L-911, 7-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8554
Intended participants: University academic and administrative staff and students, government personnel
Participation fee: free
Registration: Please apply via the online application form  
Language: Simultaneous Japanese and English interpretation will be available
Organiser: Sophia Initiative for Education and Discovery (SIED), Sophia University and British Council. 

Programme:

13:30-13:45

Welcome and Opening Remarks 
Miki Sugimura, Vice President for Academic Exchange, Sophia University. 
Makiko Deguchi, Director of the Center for Global Discovery, Sophia University.
Yuka Mizutani, Assistant Professor, Sophia University

13:45-14:15

“English as Medium of Instruction: A Growing Global Phenomenon”
Julie Dearden, Oxford University 

In this talk, Dr. Dearden will discuss recent research examining trends in the development of EMI in different countries around the world.  She will explore important questions relating to why, when and how EMI is introduced in different countries and the implications of introducing EMI on teaching, learning and assessment.  She will also discuss her experience of developing academic teaching excellence (ATE), a training course for academics using EMI for teaching.

14:15-14:45

“Considerations and Challenges of Implementing EMI: A Korean Case”
Oryang Kwon, Seoul National University

Dr. Oryang Kwon will share insights from his extensive professional career of teaching and research in English language education and assessment, by discussing the current situations concerning EMI in higher education in Korea, including Seoul National University, the top university in South Korea.  He will discuss considerations for and practical methods of EMI based on his own experience, which will give insights and implications for EMI in higher education in Asia.

14:45-14:55

Break 

14:55-15:25

“Seeking Bilingualism in Higher Education: Lessons from Europe”
Robert Wilkinson, Maastricht University

Dr. Wilkinson will present the current status of EMI in non-native English speaking countries in Europe.  As co-constructor of one of the first English-medium degree courses in the Netherlands, he will share his experience of initiating and developing EMI courses and discuss the wider implications that EMI has had on the international outlook of Maastricht University.

15:25-15:55 

“EMI: A Means to Cultivate Global Human Resources in Japan?”
Kensaku Yoshida, Sophia University

In this talk, Dr. Yoshida will evaluate the effect of recent government initiatives on English language teaching at universities and discuss the value of EMI in contributing to the long-term development of global human resources in Japan. 

15:55-16:05 

Break 

16:05 - 17:05

Panel Discussion and Q and A

【Panellists】

  • Julie Dearden, Oxford University 
  • Oryang Kwon, Seoul National University
  • Robert Wilkinson, Maastricht University
  • Kensaku Yoshida, Sophia University

【Facilitator】

  • Makiko Deguchi, Director of the Center for Global Discovery, Sophia University.

The panel discussion will provide an opportunity to recap major themes arising from the talks and encourage interactive debate on the merits, challenges and processes of developing EMI programmes in non-English speaking countries.   

17:05-17:20

Closing Remarks  
Jeff Streeter, Director, British Council Japan 
Makiko Deguchi, Director of the Center for Global Discovery, Sophia University.

17:30-19:30    

 Reception for personnel and students engaged in EMI-related activities
 (Pre-registration required; please note your participation on the registration form)

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