Reflections on Key Issues in College English Instruction in Higher Education

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62517/jhet.202615116

Author(s)

Xiaohua Li, Sishi Dai, Tian Chen

Affiliation(s)

Air Force Early Warning Academy, Wuhan, China

Abstract

In the context of globalization and rapid advancements in information technology, English education in universities plays a vital role in cultivating internationally competent and multidisciplinary professionals. However, this educational endeavor faces significant challenges, including reduced instructional hours, a disconnection between language teaching and specialized disciplines that undermines student motivation, and inadequate integration of digital technologies. To overcome these obstacles, this paper proposes a comprehensive reform strategy: first, redesigning the curriculum through English for Specific Purposes (ESP) to seamlessly integrate general and professional language skills aligned with the demands of various disciplines; second, implementing an artificial intelligence-empowered blended teaching model that enhances learning quality and efficiency through a cyclical process of pre-class diagnostics, interactive in-class activities, and post-class consolidation; and third, establishing a holistic, multi-dimensional assessment system that spans the entire learning lifecycle. This study seeks to provide a coherent framework for constructing an effective and empowering English teaching ecosystem, facilitating a paradigm shift toward competency-based education, and addressing the diverse development needs of the nation, society, academic institutions, and students alike.

Keywords

English Education in Universities; English for Specific Purposes; Artificial Intelligence; Blended Teaching Model; Teaching Evaluation

References

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