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SCHOOL

National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University-College of Informatics

Abstract

During the 110th academic year, the College of Computer Science earned recognition as a benchmark institution for the Programme on Bilingual Education for Students in College (BEST). With the support of the Ministry of Education, our College has progressively enhanced the English learning environment for students. The English Medium of Instruction (EMI) courses offered by our affiliated departments have consistently grown, increasing from 62 courses in the 109th academic year to 68 and 72 courses in the 110th and 111th academic years, respectively. This represents an increase in the percentage of EMI courses, ascending from 32.8% to 35.9% and 37.1%. The tangible outcomes of this implementation manifest a noteworthy increase in the participation of faculty and students in EMI courses and associated bilingual activities. The forthcoming presentation will meticulously showcase the project's accomplishments through the lenses of three primary perspectives: the teacher's viewpoint, the student's viewpoint, and the organizational environment's viewpoint.

Teacher

  • The percentage of EMI courses: In the 111th academic year, the College of Computer Science had an EMI course percentage of 30.68% for undergraduates and 42.45% for graduate programs. There is a prevalent preference among faculty members in the College of Computer Science for employing original (English) textbooks in their instructional practices, complemented by the formulation of course outlines in the English language. In the same academic year, about 97.93% of course outlines in our college were meticulously crafted in English, thereby establishing a robust foundation for the ongoing evolution of English as the medium of instruction.
  • Teacher Professional Training Program: The College has witnessed the successful completion of the Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (CLTHE) program by 13 distinguished individuals, comprising faculty members, Ph.D. students, and postdoctoral fellows. This accomplished group includes 1 Senior Fellow, 6 Fellows, and 1 Associate Fellow, each contributing to the academic excellence of our institution. Notably, Professor Yong-Shen Chen and Professor Wen Hsiao Peng have seamlessly integrated their training, emerging as perceptive instructors and mentors within HEAT (the Center of Higher Education Accreditation for Teaching). Their commitment is manifested in the sharing of invaluable experiences with our burgeoning faculty members. The College of Computer Science actively fosters the university's engagement with EMI Oxford online courses. This visionary initiative empowers faculty within the College to elevate their proficiency in English-medium instruction, aligning with contemporary educational demands. Complementing this endeavor, The Office of Bilingual Education (OBE) and the Language Teaching and Research Center (LTRC) stand as pillars of support for faculty in the College. These entities provide indispensable English consultation services and contribute significantly to the development of EMI courses, thereby fortifying the educational landscape within the College of Computer Science.
  • EMI Course Observation: During the second semester of the 111th academic year, the College conducted a comprehensive assessment of English Medium Instruction (EMI) courses, comprising a total of 8 observations, each session spanning one hour. These observations were inclusive of both undergraduate and graduate courses, reflecting the College's commitment to maintaining a high standard of instructional quality. We utilize the EMI observation checklist from the esteemed University of Cambridge to assess instructors' teaching methodologies and closely observe the dynamics of interactions between educators and students. Following the observations, the College is dedicated to providing constructive feedback to instructors based on the recorded assessments, aiming at fostering continuous improvement in the delivery of EMI courses within the College of Computer Science.
  • EMI Teaching Assistants: As part of our unwavering dedication to elevating the caliber of instruction, we provide additional subsidies for teaching assistants. This strategic initiative is designed to incentivize and empower teaching assistants to enhance their proficiency in English Medium Instruction (EMI), thereby contributing to the continuous refinement of EMI courses within our institution. The Academic Affairs Office organizes workshops to provide comprehensive training for teaching assistants. This proactive approach encourages participation by EMI teaching assistants, recognizing their pivotal role in shaping the efficacy of EMI instruction. This concerted effort is poised to become a focal point during the second phase of our bilingual program.

Student

  • EGP/ESP/EAP Courses at the College of Computer Science: In a concerted effort to significantly enhance the English proficiency of master's and doctoral students within our esteemed College, and to foster the cultivation of international talent, the College has devised tailored six-week English courses in small-group settings, catering to the distinct needs of students. The College of Computer Science introduced exclusive English enhancement courses from the academic year 110 to 112. These courses are collaboratively conducted by an in-house English teaching assistant and an externally hired lecturer, facilitating short-term small-group sessions across various computer science domains, encompassing EGP and ESAP. The EGP course, at the heart of this endeavor, is meticulously crafted to focus on "English Communication and Expression," aiming to refine the linguistic abilities of students within the context of computer science, while the ESAP courses address specific academic facets critical to success in the field. These include "Academic English Writing in the Field of Computer Science," ensuring proficiency in scholarly written communication, "Academic Reading in the Field of Computer Science," emphasizing comprehensive comprehension strategies, and "English Presentation Skills in the Field of Computer Science," concentrating on the art of effective oral communication." Beyond the English enhancement courses offered by the College of Computer Science, a collaborative and expansive effort is underway across various academic centers to provide students with a diverse range of English courses. The Language Teaching and Research Center, Language Learning and Writing Center, General Education Center, and other esteemed entities contribute significantly to supporting students in their English Medium Instruction (EMI) learning journey and overall development. Currently, the university offers 20 EAP courses, 3 ESAP courses, and 26 ESP/CLIL courses for undergraduate students.
  • English proficiency of students: In the 111th academic year, an impressive 47.18% of sophomore students in the College of Computer Science attained a commendable proficiency level of CEFR B2 in English listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. This noteworthy achievement underscores the dedication and commitment of both the students and the institution toward fostering language excellence. Our unwavering commitment persists in kindling the flame of self-directed learning among students. We actively promote their engagement in on-campus English courses and various learning activities, fostering an environment conducive to linguistic mastery. Moreover, we are steadfast in facilitating the utilization of personalized consultation services offered by the College of Computer Science, providing students with tailored support on their linguistic journey. In line with our steadfast support for continuous improvement, we strongly advocate for students' participation in English proficiency tests. These assessments not only serve as valuable tools for ongoing self-assessment but also play a pivotal role in elevating students' professional English skills beyond the established benchmarks of CEFR B2. By embracing such opportunities for assessment and enhancement, students can position themselves for greater success in their academic pursuits and future careers.
  • English Consultation Services at the College of Computer Science: The College offers personalized one-on-one English consultation services for faculty, staff, and students. Covering a spectrum of topics such as seminar presentations, English interviews, and discussions on effective strategies for language acquisition, these services are designed to address the specific English-related challenges individuals may face. Furthermore, we partner with the Office of Bilingual Education to coalesce efforts in organizing the prestigious Yang Ming Chiao Tung University English Speech Competition. This innovative partnership serves as a catalyst, inspiring and encouraging students from the College of Computer Science to actively participate in the competition, thereby facilitating a noteworthy enhancement of their English communication skills. To schedule appointments for English consultation services, please visit the following website: https://reurl.cc/GAr5rW.

Organizational Environment

  • EMI Teaching Seminar: The College has orchestrated a series of enlightening teaching seminars aimed at fostering the exchange of insights on curriculum development. In late October 2022, our institution invited three distinguished professors to join a seminar, where they shared their wealth of experiences in English instruction and facilitated discussions on strategies geared towards elevating the overall quality of English instruction. Another teaching seminar unfolded in late May 2023, featuring faculty members honored with the prestigious 2022 English Teaching Award—an accolade established by the College of Computer Science. During this event, these esteemed educators imparted invaluable insights into English Medium Instruction (EMI). The positive impact of such exchanges has been evident, providing substantial benefits to our diverse faculty members, both novice and experienced. Looking ahead to the second phase of the bilingual program, we envision expanding this initiative through university-level coordination and collaborations with other colleges, making it a pivotal focus of the program's next stage.
  • NYCU CCS Magazine: Our College releases a bilingual college journal biannually, containing comprehensive content ranging from updates on college events to cutting-edge developments in science and technology. An additional dimension is provided by insightful contributions from both esteemed faculty members and the vibrant student community. Besides being accessible on the college website homepage, the journal is disseminated through thoughtfully curated email newsletters. This deliberate approach is aimed at elevating the College of Computer Science to a global platform, ensuring that our valuable insights and contributions resonate across borders. Access the electronic version of the NYCU CCS Magazine at: https://www.ccs.nycu.edu.tw/magazine
  • Establishment of the Outstanding English Teaching Award for the College of Computer Science: Moreover, in the ongoing academic year, the College of Computer Science has inaugurated the Outstanding English Teaching Award. Beyond the established conventional teaching awards at the university and college levels, the College incorporated extra recognitions and incentives to promote exceptional English instruction. The objective is to elevate the overall ambiance and standard of English teaching within the College, with a specific emphasis on advanced courses at the graduate level.
National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University-College of Informatics photo 1
National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University-College of Informatics photo 2
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