Applying vocational education and training pedagogy in business English courses for China's English major undergraduates
ISSN: 0040-0912
Article publication date: 12 January 2021
Issue publication date: 28 January 2021
Abstract
Purpose
In light of university business English pedagogical innovation, this study reports an empirical study with 66 English major participants.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses online survey and participant observation to investigate their practice-oriented motivation and needs, the perceptions of using vocational education and training pedagogy in business English teaching and the learning outcomes in a Chinese university context.
Findings
The study found participants with motivations to learn business and trade knowledge, develop practice-oriented abilities and the preferences of learning flexibly and autonomously. For the perceptions of using vocational education and training pedagogy, simulations of meetings and negotiations were recommended and the job-based competency development model was useful. Workplace simulation was also particularly suggested to bridge the gap between classroom and workplace. For learning outcomes, writing practices and workplace simulation were considered particularly useful. The learning gains were found in international trade correspondence writing. While the intention of continuing learning business English correspondence writing was identified, more opportunities should be created for more practice-oriented activities, such as internship or corporate visit.
Originality/value
Informed by vocational education and training theory, the study has important pedagogical, theoretical and policy implications for business English teaching in both China and worldwide contexts.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author would like to express heartfelt thanks to the participants for their helpful contributions to the study. The author is also grateful for the expert comments from editors and reviewers for revising this article. This work was funded in 2019 by Jiangsu Higher Education Institution Philosophy and Social Science Research Project [2019SJA0776].
Citation
Xie, Q. (2021), "Applying vocational education and training pedagogy in business English courses for China's English major undergraduates", Education + Training, Vol. 63 No. 2, pp. 292-312. https://doi.org/10.1108/ET-07-2020-0183
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited