University Academia’s Perceptions about Using Mother Language or Foreign Language as Medium of Instructions

Abstract

The language is the utmost necessity for the survival of the races. In broader view, language may not be confined to any territory or nation. The main objectives were to explore the opinions of university faculty members in selection of medium of instructions during lectures, indicators responsible for as key motivators and to investigate the academic confidence among university students when they learn through specific medium of instructions. The perceptions from the universities’ faculty members were collected as the use of national and foreign language is most applicable in teaching learning environment. The simple random sampling technique was used for selection of one hundred university teachers from University of Education and GC University Faisalabad. The Self-developed tool, about mediums of instructions and Faculty Preference Survey (MIFPS) was used. The findings of the study showed that faculty members are more willing to use foreign language during their class lectures. They said foreign language is necessary to explain international terminologies while delivering the lectures. Male students were more optimistic to use foreign language as medium of instruction than that of female students. The learners showed positive attitude when national language is used. The male students’ confidence level was high when teachers use national language as medium of instruction as compared to foreign language. Students revealed to be much creative in using national language for learning purpose. It is suggested that both languages should be used at higher educational level to compete internally and the rest of the world.