Collaboration with EAP teachers in English‐medium instruction contexts in higher education: Content lecturer perspectives

Abstract

English‐medium instruction (EMI) has been increasingly used in higher education institutions worldwide, and therefore the collaboration between English for academic purposes (EAP) teachers and subject teachers is highly needed for the successful alignment of the EAP and subject content courses in EMI contexts. This article explores the views and perceptions of business subject teachers on collaboration between them and the EAP teachers in an English as a foreign language English‐medium business programme. Ten participants took part in this study, which adopted an interview‐based qualitative methodology. Results reveal a lack of collaboration between subject and EAP teachers, whilst the participants stressed the importance of and the need for collaboration. In addition, several ways for effective collaboration were suggested. The objective of this article is to emphasise the importance of collaboration and call for the establishment of a constructive and professional relationship between the two parties. The implications for EAP and EMI are presented and discussed.