Effect of English as a Medium of Instruction on Academic Performance of Students in Civil Engineering in Higher Learning Institutions: A Case of Rwanda Polytechnic, Huye College

Ally Majaliwa, Jacques Albert Twahirwa, Niyibaho Alain Frederic, Nadege Kwizera
Rwanda Polytechnic (Huye College)
Email : majaliwaally@gmail.com

Abstract: The aim of this paper was to investigate the Effect of English as a Medium of Instruction on Academic Performance of Students in Civil Engineering in Higher Learning Institutions. A Case of Rwanda Polytechnic, Huye College. Simple random sampling technique was further applied to obtain lectures and students from civil engineering department, making 198 target individuals. The study used a sample of 132 respondents from the sampled department at Rwanda Polytechnic Huye College. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis through the statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 21. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression. The results of the findings indicated that English usage as medium of instruction was more correlated with the performance of students in civil engineering department (r = 0.611; p= 0.000). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that English usage as medium of instruction contributed to 71.9% of variation on the performance, hence plays a vital role in performance of students in Huye College. Additionally, it was further inferred that English usage as medium of instruction increases positive attitudes toward learning other subjects in civil engineering department. The study recommended that lecturers who teach modules in civil engineering, as influential figures in Huye College, consistently utilize only the English language during the teaching process to serve as effective role models for students.