THE INFLUENCE OF ENGLISH MEDIUM INSTRUCTION ON TEACHER IDENTITY

For a content teacher who is a non-native English speaker, the transition from giving instruction in one’s own native language to teaching in English is potentially challenging. This paper examines the impact of English-Medium Instruction (EMI) on the professional identity of academic staff based on the research conducted at South Ural State University. Authors analyze the Russian context of EMI introduction into tertiary education, define the concepts: “identity”, “professional identity”, “teacher identity” and adapt the identity components (professional, personal, institutional) offered by Kling Soren to SUSU faculty. Teacher cognitions of their own authority, expertise and identity are captured using qualitative methods including observation and interview. By following a cohort of teachers through the initial stage of EMI training and examining their self-perceptions before training, the study examines the initial state of this identity and the impact of the EMI training on it. The results show that though the SUSU faculty perceive the process of EMI introduction at SUSU as inevitable one, they realize the opportunities and the needs for professional development, both in the field EMI strategies and English language proficiency with professional expertise being threatened. Results of this research can be used as for development of language policy of higher education institution in the field of foreign-language education, and for development of programs of professional development in the field of EMI.