This study examined Korean university students’ online English as the Medium of Instruction (EMI) engagement and perceptions of teaching and learning, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students were issued an online questionnaire, which indicated that those who have experienced EMI classes engage more for performance gains, while students who have prior online learning experiences tend to centre more on skills and emotional engagement. Predictors of engagement were perceptions of warmth and openness, as well as organisation. Implications for practice, such as showing concern and empathy to increase engagement, are discussed.

The present study examined the instructional outcomes of the use of Reading Circles (RC) in first year English-Mediated Instruction (EMI) College of Education classes at a university in Korea using a mixed method approach using independent samples t-tests and correlations of survey data and thematic analysis of semi-structured interview data. Thirty-nine first-year students participated in the survey examining engagement, usefulness, and outcomes, and interviews. While students who perceived their English as proficient had lower apprehension, students with previous RC experience showed less apprehension than those without RC experience. More engaged students were found to be less anxious, more positive, and claimed the RC approach to learning was more useful. The results of the interviews showed that RC lessened anxiety and increased learner autonomy and opportunities for collaborative learning. The study recommended EMI class instructors incorporate RC in EMI classes, as well as presented implications for the online EMI learning environment.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced universities worldwide to make the switch to online instruction, raising concerns about the quality of online courses and their impact on student satisfaction and engagement. This study aimed to explore Korean university students’ satisfaction levels with online English-mediated instruction (EMI) courses during the pandemic and identify factors that influence class satisfaction. The purpose of this study was to provide insights into how EMI instructors could improve their online teaching practices during and after a pandemic. The hypothesis was that instructional strategies (IS), academic conscientiousness (AC), and academic integration (AI) could mediate the link between engagement and satisfaction. The study used a survey design to collect data from 219 Korean university students who took online EMI courses during the spring 2020 semester. The survey collected demographic information as well as students’ perceptions of valuable IS, AC, AI, and satisfaction. Data analysis included independent samples t-test, correlation analysis, Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), and multiple regression analysis. The results showed IS use and satisfaction differed among disciplines. Specifically, there were significant differences in satisfaction levels between Arts, STEM, Business, Social Sciences, and Literature and Languages majors. Additionally, there were significant relationships between demographics, AC, AI, IS use, and satisfaction. SEM was used to provide a general view of factors mediating the link between engagement and satisfaction. The results revealed that AC, AI, and IS use mediated the link between engagement and satisfaction. Multiple regression analysis showed that students were more satisfied with instructors who demonstrated care and warmth using social networking sites to communicate. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into student satisfaction with online EMI courses during the COVID-19 pandemic and for the future of online EMI teaching-learning. The findings suggest that online EMI instructors should consider using social networking sites to communicate with students in order to increase satisfaction levels. Additionally, instructors should be aware that different disciplines may require different instructional strategies to maximize student engagement and satisfaction.

Teacher attrition is a global concern. Because motivation drives a teacher to persist in their teaching career and affects their effectiveness, persistence among pre-service teachers is important. This exploratory study ( N = 55) of college of education students at a university in metropolitan Seoul, South Korea, using survey data, used (a) independent samples t-test to determine reasons for persisting and (b) correlation analysis among demographics and five persistence factors: Academic Integration, Social Integration, Supportive Service Satisfaction, Degree Commitment, and Academic Conscientiousness to understand persistence to a teaching career. The main motivation, job security, moderately correlated with two persistence factors while general interest in the subject and English proficiency positively associated with all persistence factors. The higher students assessed their English proficiency, the more they did not wish to become a teacher because of “salary.” More frequent and earlier teaching practicums and capitalizing on the Halo Effect are discussed for positive results.

This study investigated the influence of acquired L1 writing skills on exophonic writings of students (N = 147) from diverse majors, who visited an English writing center for assistance. Affective differences revealed students with L1 writing tutelage (WL1) had lower avoidance behavior and higher extrinsic motivation and writing self-efficacy. Self-perceived L2 writing ability was found to be a principal factor for WL1. Writing self-efficacy appeared essential for students without L1 writing tutelage (WOL1). Regression analysis found learner self-beliefs and somatic anxiety (negative) influenced self-perceived L2 writing ability for WL1, and holistic self-beliefs on English writing (HSE) and cognitive ability (negative) for WOL1. Acquired L1 writing skills did not tangibly influence L2 performance. No large impact factors were found for WL1, but HSE and attitudes & reaction (negative) impacted WOL1 performance. Implications such as performance may not be a main concern among exophonic writers, and the need for English writing centers in non-L1 (English) countries are discussed.