Enhancing EMI Readiness Through Digital Storytelling in ESP Learning Activities: A Qualitative Study of First-Year Management Students in Taiwan

This presentation examines the effectiveness of integrating digital storytelling into English for Specific Purposes (ESP) learning activities within a Freshman English course to enhance first-year undergraduate students’ readiness for English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) in the College of Management at a university in Taiwan.

The increasing adoption of EMI in Taiwan’s higher education system presents challenges for many students, who often struggle with discipline-specific language, academic communication, and confidence in using English for academic purposes. Digital storytelling offers a potential solution by providing an engaging platform for students to actively explore academic content, improve their English proficiency, and develop confidence in professional communication.

This qualitative study analyzes pre- and post-course readiness questionnaires and student reflections to evaluate the impact of digital storytelling on students’ learning progress and perceived improvements. Thematic analysis was employed to identify key themes related to EMI readiness.

The findings indicate that incorporating digital storytelling into ESP learning activities enhances students’ motivation and engagement while fostering their ability to articulate complex concepts in English. Students reported improvements in their use of technical vocabulary, structuring of coherent presentations, and effectiveness in academic communication. The multimodal nature of digital storytelling allows students to bridge the gap between general English proficiency and ESP requirements, making EMI courses more accessible.

This study highlights the potential of digital storytelling as an innovative pedagogical tool to enhance EMI readiness. The presentation will detail the course design, instructional strategies, and key findings, offering practical insights for educators seeking to integrate digital storytelling into ESP instruction to better prepare students for EMI.