English Medium Instructions on English Language Proficiency

Abstract

This research study is designed to examine the effect of English language as a medium of instruction on English language proficiency (skills) of Students during the four years of study in the degree programme. In Sri Lankan universities most of the degree programmes have been conducted in the English medium with the aim to improve the English language proficiency among students as well as the learning and achievement level towards the globally acceptable employment competencies. The respondents were 174 undergraduate students of the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Programme of the Faculty of Commerce and Management (FCM) of the Eastern University, Sri Lanka (EUSL). A questionnaire pertaining to students’ perception was used as research instrument. Using descriptive statistics, the study found that there is a statistically significant score gain in all four of the English-language skill areas. The most gain occurred in the area of writing, followed by reading, listening and then speaking. Results from questionnaires indicate that, students’ different perceptions regarding language ability and the problems associated with the use of English for instruction.  Students generally do not feel that studying in English causes problems for them, and they rate their ability in speaking listening, reading, and writing as good to excellent.