Searching for the Best Medium of Instruction : Japanese University Students' Views on English-Only Instruction in EAP Courses

This exploratory research examined the perceptions of freshman EFL students about English-only instruction in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses offered at a suburban private university in Japan.An attitudinal survey containing 12 questions was administered to 44 students in order to elicit their responses in relation to the following topics: 1. English language learning motivation, 2. strengths and weaknesses of English-only instruction, 3. student perceived impact of English-only instruction on their English language learning, 4. necessity of English-only classes, and 5. preferred forms of Japanese language support.The results show that participants consider English-only instruction is necessary and particularly conducive to developing their listening skills.However, they also expressed the need for instructional support in Japanese as they experienced a variety of diffi culty in classes conducted in English-only where the use of Japanese is institutionally discouraged.The fi ndings suggest that the institutionally sanctioned English-only policy may put less profi cient students at a disadvantage especially when the contents of classes are cognitively challenging.Based on the fi ndings, the study discusses the potential ways in which the Japanese language can be used as an additional resource to facilitate English language instruction.