English in Engineering Education for Japanese Graduate Students

Abstract

SUMMARYThe implementation of English-medium instruction by non-native speaking lecturers to non-native speaking students is one of the challenging processes in Japanese engineering education. At the Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University, the English program raises awareness of the importance of English among Japanese professors and students. This study uses feedback from Japanese professors and students over a period of time to examine the situation on English education at the school after the English program was introduced. It finds that Japanese students have become more alert to the necessity of English in their research and future career, and want to improve their English. On the contrary, a majority of professors fails to use the situation to create a momentum to improve the Japanese students’ English. The study concludes that exchange of information among professors on the feasibility of using English in laboratory activities and its positive impact on the Japanese students is necessary.