Changing the language of the classroom: How do teachers feel about it?

This paper presents the results of an enquiry into the attitude of teachers towards medium of instruction issues. The focus of the study is on whether an in-service course intended to equip teachers better to use English as a medium of instruction and to understand the issues involved brings about any change in those attitudes. A questionnaire was administered to the course participants (55 teachers of 7 subjects) at the beginning and at the end of the course. The areas explored were the use of mixed code for teaching and learning, the importance of language in the learning of their subjects, language across the curriculum issues and the qualities required for English medium teachers. The results of the study will contribute to course evaluation and course revision. It is also expected that the study will lead to a better understanding of how classroom teachers can be supported in using English as the medium of instruction. Copyright © 1995 Language in Education Journal.