DOES THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION GUARANTEE THE PRODUCTION OF MORE SCIENTISTS, ENGINEERS AND RESEARCHERS?: WORLDWIDE FRACTAL DIMENSION ANALYSIS

Abstract

The study explored the implications of using the mother-tongue as a medium of instruction which is provided for in the K+12 law on the production of more scientists, engineers and researchers crucial in the country’s bid for global competitiveness. Data from the World Social Statistics Report in 2012 were used for the fractal dimension analysis. Findings revealed that the use of mother-tongue in many countries across the globe resulted in more diverse production of this crucial manpower (some countries in this category produced more but other countries in the same category produced less). The exclusive use of English as a medium of instruction, on the other hand, guaranteed a more uniform production of engineers, scientists and researchers for several countries all over the world.