CHALLENGES OF USING ENGLISH AS A MEDIUM INSTRUCTION IN BUKIT ASAM LOWER SECONDARY SCHOOL FROM TEACHERS’ PERSPECTIVE

Catherine Sanjaya

Sanata Dharma University

catherinesanjaya3@gmail.com

Abstract

In this study, the researcher investigated the role of EMI in high school, especially in Bukit Asam Lower Secondary International School. Although English is very popular to be used as a medium of language, there are some challenges and difficulties that often faced by both teachers and students, which might cause a series of debates on the implementation of EMI at schools. Therefore, this research aimed to find what challenges were faced by teachers in Bukit Asam Lower Secondary International School while teaching using EMI and what coping strategies they used to overcome those challenges. The researcher employed a qualitative method in this research which used questionnaire and interview tools. From the findings, it was revealed that the lack of English skills, lack of EMI training, difficulty in teaching concepts using English, time management, and lack of motivation were some challenges faced by teachers. This research also provided further information about the strategies using by the teachers while teaching using EMI.

Keywords: EMI, challenges, teachers’ perceptions