Understanding Omani students ’ (University) English Language Problems

The aim of this paper is to present the survey details conducted among the students of an Engineering college in Oman, relating to the students ’ learning difficulties, where the medium of instruction is English. In most of the Omani schools, English is learnt as a language and is not a medium of instruction. The students ’ familiarity with English is therefore limited. At the professional college level, when the medium of instruction itself is English, the students ’ comprehensive understanding of the subject is doubtful. A bridging course in the form of foundation program is offered to prepare the students for the Engineering programs. Nevertheless, even after such foundation program training, it is observed that the students are not comfortable in classes taught in English, as medium of Instruction. This is reflected in their understanding of the modules, class participation, exam preparation and their overall performance and study experience. This is revealed in the survey conducted and it shows, that language barrier, does affect the performance of the students due to their lack of proficiency in English language. An attempt is also made to understand the teaching staffs ’ attitude towards such students English language difficulties