Omani Students’ Coping Strategies in an English Medium Engineering Programme

Abstract

This study explores how Omani engineering students utilised coping strategies whereby they negotiated the challenges inherent in studying through the medium of English (EMI) both the students and their teachers utilised several coping strategies to overcome EMI-related problems and difficulties. A qualitative research design with a semi-structured interview with twelve engineering students as the main method of data generation. The interview data were coded thematically and analysed inductively. Key theories were chosen to inform the study design and help in interpreting and understanding the study data. The study seeks to answer the following question: How did Omani engineering students respond to EMI challenges? The data analysis and interpretation are presented according to the emergent themes and a priori themes. The identification of themes offers insights into understanding Omani students’ learning experiences through the medium of English and presenting the participants’ stories about their challenges and difficulties in college. These experiences are categorised and presented here based on the themes rather than through ascription to the individuals to which they relate.