LISTENING NEEDS OF PHYSICS STUDENTS IN ENGLISH-MEDIUM LECTURES: AN ESP-BASED SURVEY STUDY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58432/kmndb831Keywords:
Academic English, Listening Difficulties, Physics Classroom Context, Comprehension Barriers, Language ProficiencyAbstract
There are considerable academic challenges when it comes to listening comprehension in physics lectures in English (English medium instruction, EMI) for non-native English speakers. In view of this, the present study was designed to investigate listening difficulties of physics students and their desired types of instructional support. Through the application of descriptive survey design, data was obtained using a structured questionnaire from 60 purposively selected students. The questionnaire focuses on figuring out their motivation, listening problems and required assistance. The results showed a clear need for further support, especially through access to recorded lectures, additional language training, and more guided listening activities. Additionally, the data revealed difficulties were usually of a linguistic nature; students did not easily recognize the pronunciation of technical vocabulary or became accustomed to different accents of the lecturers. Even so, many students expressed that they could still follow the main flow of the lessons and remained highly motivated in their studies. Based on the results, there are some ways of overcoming obstacles related to listening in EMI physics courses based on the students' perspective. Regular practice of pronunciation, more exposure to different English accents, and easy access to review materials are needed to improve listening skills and academic performance of students.
Downloads
References
Al-Khasawneh, F. M. (2021). The Impact of English Medium Instruction on Students' Academic Performance in Science Faculties. Journal of Language and Education, 7(1), 102-110.
Al Zumor A. Q. (2019). Some Challenges in Using EMI for Teaching and Learning Science Courses at University Levels. International Journal of Language Education.
Bao, D. (2020). Understanding English Medium Instruction in Higher Education: A Review of The Literature. Asian ESP Journal.
Cohen, L., Manion, L. & Morrison, K. (2018). Research Methods in Education (8th ed). Routledge.
Creswell JW (2014). Research Design.Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. Fourth edition, Sage Publications, California.
Field, J. (2008). Listening in The Language Classroom. Cambridge University Press.
Flowerdew, J., & Miller, L. (2005). Second Language Listening: Theory and Practice. Cambridge University Press.
Goh, C. C. M. (2000). A Cognitive Perspective on Language Learners' Listening Comprehension Problems. System, 28(1), 55-75.
Hafidah, N., & Rahmawati, L. (2022). Exploring Students' Needs in English for Specific Purposes (ESP) for Science Education. Algebra: Journal Pendidikan, Sosial, dan Sains, 4(1), 88-96.
Hutchinson, T., & Waters, A. (1987). English for Specific Purposes: A Learning Centered Approach. Cambridge University Press.
Kim, S. Y. (2000). Listening Comprehension Difficulties of Science Students in English Medium Instruction. International Journal of Education and Practice. 8(3), 453-463.
Konigs, F. G., & Rost, M. (2019). Listening in Foreign Language Learning and Teaching: Revisting Research and Practice. Language Teaching Research, 23(6), 681-703.
Macaro, E. (2018). English Medium Instruction: Content and Language in policy and practice. Oxford University Press.
Richards, J. C. (2008). Teaching Listening and Speaking: From Theory to Practice. Cambridge University Press.
Rokhaniyah, N. (2017). Listening Comprehension Problems and Strategies Used by EFL Learners. Journal Bahasa dan Pendidikan, 2(1), 45-58.
Sugiyono. (2013). Metode Penelitian Kuantitatif, Kualitatif, dan R&D. Alfabeta.
Sukmawati, F., & Sari, P. (2011). Improving Listening Comprehension Through Visual Media in ESP Classrooms. Journal of English Teaching and Applied Linguistics, 3(4), 122-130.
Sulistio, P. H. (2016). Need an Analysis of ESP (English for Specific Purpose) for Physics Students. Eduscience,1(2), 101-105.
Vandergrift, L., & Goh, C. C. M. (2012). Teaching and Learning Second Language Listening: Language Listening Metacognition in Action. New York: Routledge.
Zhou, J., & Rose, H. (2024). “A Longitudinal Study on Lecture Listening Difficulties and Self-Regulated Learning Strategies Across Proficiency Levels in EMI Higher Education.” Oxford Research Archive.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Sandrina Amalia Anggraeni, Nayla Amalia Muthmainnah, Wahyunengsih (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
