The Use of English as a medium of instruction among undergraduate students of Social Work Program, Faculty of Social Science, UNIMAS: A Case Study

Juraidah, Aden (2004) The Use of English as a medium of instruction among undergraduate students of Social Work Program, Faculty of Social Science, UNIMAS: A Case Study. [Final Year Project Report] (Unpublished)

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Abstract

The study aims to find out the percentage use of English as a medium of instruction among 30 first year students of SWP in the Faculty of Social Science, UNIMAS. It looks at the problems faced by the students when English is used for academic purposes and their coping strategies. It uses questionnaire and interview as the instruments for data collection. The findings revealed that the respondents viewed English as a medium of instruction positively as a way to enhance students' language proficiency at university level. The findings also revealed that the students have low proficiency in English. About 78% of the students are poor in reading large quantity of materials within the time allocated. 74% of the students are not able to communicate well in English. 84% are poor in writing. This impedes their ability to comprehend the subject matter well and participate actively in discussions and tutorials. About 66% of the students have difficulty in understanding terminologies used in the field. The students also faced difficulties when they have to translate into Malay what they have read in English. To cope with the problems, the main strategies used by the students are group discussions, vocabulary enhancement and active participants in discussions. In addition, lecturers use simple English and BM to assist students in understanding the subject matter.

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