Enhancing Oral Proficiency and Medical Communication in Medical English for Non-Native Speakers through Collaborative Strategies: A Case Study at Grigol Robakidze University

Lamara Kadagidze

doi:10.19044/esj.2025.v21n39p46

Lamara Kadagidze Dr. of Education Sciences, Professor Grigol Robakidze University, Tbilisi, Georgia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.19044/esj.2025.v21n39p46

Keywords: Medical English, collaborative teaching, language proficiency, healthcare communication

Abstract

The research presented herein explores the effectiveness of a collaborative teaching approach in enhancing oral proficiency and medical communication in Medical English for non-native speaker students. A case study was conducted at Grigol Robakidze University (GRUNI) with first-year Medical Program (MP) students enrolled in a Medical English course, delivered through a partnership between a non-native speaker instructor and a native English language expert. Unlike a completely new initiative, this course was designed as a continuation of Medical English I, addressing the specific challenges identified during the previous semester. Students had already received prior instruction in Medical English, and their needs were carefully analyzed before implementing the revised course. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, utilizing surveys and interviews to evaluate students' progress, satisfaction, and perceptions of the course. Quantitative data focused on students’ self-assessed proficiency levels and confidence, while qualitative feedback provided deeper insights into their learning experiences. Results indicated significant improvements in students’ confidence and proficiency, with 60% reporting high confidence in presenting medical topics in English after the course. The collaborative teaching model, combining native and non-native instructors, was highly regarded by students (80% considered it very effective). Additionally, students identified reading academic texts and improving oral presentation skills as the most beneficial aspects of the course. The study highlights the value of integrating diverse teaching methodologies to enhance both linguistic skills and communication strategies in medical contexts. Based on student feedback, recommendations include increasing interactive learning opportunities such as role-playing exercises and peer-led discussions to further engage students in real-world medical scenarios.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

PlumX Statistics

References

1. A & C Black. (2006). Check your English vocabulary for medicine (3rd ed.). London: A & C Black.
2. Banville, S. (2023). Bacteria pass "memories" to future generations. Breaking News English. https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2311/231127-bacteria-memories.html
3. Doykova, I. (2019). Exploring student expectations and perceptions in English for medical purposes (EMP). In Proceedings of the Second Varna Conference on E-learning and Knowledge Management (pp. 90-94). Varna Medical University. https://journals.mu-varna.bg/index.php/conf/article/view/5781
4. Elgindi, H., & Hoque, M. S. (2022). The challenges faced by novice teachers of English for medical purposes (EMP): The case of Saudi Arabia's medical colleges. International Journal of Language and Literary Studies, 4(3), 212-218. https://doi.org/10.36892/ijlls.v4i3.953
5. Fakoya, A. O. J., Ndrio, M., & McCarthy, K. J. (2023). Facilitating active collaborative learning in medical education: A literature review of peer instruction method. Advances in Medical Education and Practice, 14, 1087–1099. https://doi.org/10.2147/AMEP.S421400
6. Gvenetadze, N. (2023). Importance of the English language for medical students. Modern Issues of Medicine and Management, 23(1), 118-122. https://doi.org/10.56580/GEOMEDI0010
7. Hekmati, N., Davoudi, M., Zareian, G., & Elyasi, M. (2020). English for medical purposes: An investigation into medical students’ English language needs. Iranian Journal of Applied Language Studies, 12(1), 151-176. https://doi.org/10.22111/IJALS.2020.5648
8. Hull, M. (2010). Medical English Clear & Simple: A Practice-Based Approach to English for ESL Healthcare Professionals (1st ed.). F.A. Davis Company.
9. Iqbal, K., Rahim, A., & Zulfiqar, K. (2012). Factors affecting the competencies of local medical students using English for effective learning. Isra Medical Journal. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/275964678_xv_Iqbal_K_A_Rahim_Factors_affecting_competencies_of_local_medical_students_using_English_for_effective_learning_IMJ_2013253-4
10. Ismaiel, S., AlGhafari, D., & Ibrahim, H. (2023). Promoting physician-patient language concordance in undergraduate medical education: A peer-assisted learning approach. BMC Medical Education, 23, 1. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-022-03986-4
11. Kadagidze, L. (2024). Breaking Barriers: The Role of 'Professional English and Communication' Courses in Medical Education. European Scientific Journal, ESJ, 20(37), 74. https://doi.org/10.19044/esj.2024.v20n37p74
12. Karimnia, A., & Khodashenas, M. R. (2018). Medical students' English language learning: Needs and perceptions. Sustainable Multilingualism, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.2478/sm-2018-0016
13. Meuter, R. F. I., Gallois, C., Segalowitz, N. S., et al. (2015). Overcoming language barriers in healthcare: A protocol for investigating safe and effective communication when patients or clinicians use a second language. BMC Health Services Research, 15, 371. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-015-1024-8
14. Milosavljević, N., Vuletić, A., & Jovković, L. (2015). Learning medical English: A prerequisite for successful academic and professional education. Srp Arh Celok Lek, 143(3-4), 237-240. https://doi.org/10.2298/SARH1504237M
15. Pavel, E. (2014). Teaching English for medical purposes. Bulletin of the Transilvania University of Braşov, Series VII: Social Sciences - Law, 7(56), 39-46. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/287184164_Teaching_English_for_medical_purposes
16. Quadeer, S. H., & Singh, M. (2021). Medical students and English for medical purposes. Linguistic Research, 38(2), 1-10. https://www.academia.edu/81746621/Medical_Students_and_English_for_Medical_Purposes
17. Sujana, I. M., Waluyo, U., Fitriana, E., & Suryani, D. (2020). Improving students' English proficiency at the Faculty of Medicine: Recommendations. In Proceedings of the International Conference on English Language Teaching and Learning Technology (ELTLT) 2020. https://doi.org/10.4108/eai.14-11-2020.2310173
18. Widiatmoko, P. (2014). Facilitating relevance of classroom pedagogy and professional needs in an EFL medical English. In Proceedings of the 61st TEFLIN International Conference (pp. [page numbers]). Solo, Indonesia. https://doi.org/10.13140/2.1.4707.0720
19. Yuldasheva, D., Tuhtaboyeva, Y., & Shamsiddinova, M. (2021). Teaching English to medical students on the basis of a professionally oriented approach. The American Journal of Social Science and Education Innovations, 3(4), 558-562. https://theamericanjournals.com/index.php/tajssei/article/view/3447