Research article | Open Access
International Journal of Language and Education Research 2026, Vol. 8(1) 202-227
Enhancing Academic Performance in EMI Context through Pedagogical Translanguaging: A Mixed Methods Study
pp. 202 - 227
Publish Date: April 30, 2026 | Single/Total View: 0/0 | Single/Total Download: 0/0
Abstract
Policymakers in Algeria sought to promote internationalization in higher education through implementing English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI). The pedagogical implications of EMI bumped into substantial obstacles, such as difficulties in teaching content subjects in English and the students’ limited proficiency in English. This paper investigates the utility of pedagogical translanguaging in teaching content subjects in English. To this aim, 90 undergraduate students who took content courses in English were nominated from the electrical engineering department at Naama University Center, Algeria. Students were randomly allocated to an EMI-only version of the course (the control group) or a multilingual version of the course (the experimental group). The performance of the students was assessed through final examinations specifically constructed to evaluate both content knowledge and accuracy of academic English usage. Moreover, the researcher conducted interviews with teachers to collect data on whether translanguaging helps students deepen conceptual understanding and communicate it accurately in English. The test results demonstrated that the experimental group students answered statistically more test questions correctly and produced clear written answers compared to students enrolled in the control group. Furthermore, the analysis of the teachers’ interviews revealed positive attitudes toward translanguaging. This study advocates for translanguaging practices to effectively address the students’ English language proficiency and support their linguistic diversity in the EMI setting for better academic performance.
Keywords: EMI, academic performance, translanguaging, multilingual education
APA 7th edition
Yaiche, W. (2026). Enhancing Academic Performance in EMI Context through Pedagogical Translanguaging: A Mixed Methods Study. International Journal of Language and Education Research, 8(1), 202-227.
Harvard
Yaiche, W. (2026). Enhancing Academic Performance in EMI Context through Pedagogical Translanguaging: A Mixed Methods Study. International Journal of Language and Education Research, 8(1), pp. 202-227.
Chicago 16th edition
Yaiche, Wahida (2026). "Enhancing Academic Performance in EMI Context through Pedagogical Translanguaging: A Mixed Methods Study". International Journal of Language and Education Research 8 (1):202-227.
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