Does bilingual instruction impact students' academic performance in content-based learning? Evidence from business school students attending bilingual and L1 courses

Abstract

Despite the rapid adoption of bilingual programs (English-Chinese) in Chinese higher education institutions (HEIs), concerns have been raised about perceived language hindrance to students' academic comprehension and performance. In response to these concerns, we investigated the effects of bilingual instruction on content-based learning, and provide empirical evidence after testing influential factors in bilingual environments. Analyzing a sample of 498 undergraduate students enrolled in a fundamental business course at a sample university in China, we found insignificant statistical differences in the students' academic performance between bilingual and L1 (Chinese) classes. We attribute this to the English language support provided by the university, and show that learning competence can help students minimize language barriers and solve common learning problems facing both bilingual and L1 students. Overall, our paper aimed to identify key determinants of students' academic performance during bilingual instruction, and provide policy implications for developing desirable bilingual programs in HEIs.