Analyzing the Effects of CLIL Method in Teaching Business English Writing in China

Abstract

The use of CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) teaching method in English writing proved to be efficient in enhancing students’ language and content knowledge. This study aims to explore the effects of utilizing CLIL method in teaching Business English Writing among Chinese college students. A quasi-experimental design was adopted. The experiment lasted for a total of eight weeks. The Experimental Group was taught Business English Writing using CLIL method while the Control Group was instructed with the conventional method. The sample of the study consists of 80 third year Business English college students from Shaoyang University in Hunan Province, China. Two classes of students were chosen as intact group sampling (40 students in each group). A pre-test and post-test were used as instruments. The data was analyzed using Independent samples t-test. Prior to the actual study a pilot test was carried out to obtain the reliability and validity of the instrument (writing test). The findings from quantitative data showed that students of the Experimental Group using CLIL teaching method performed significantly higher in their overall Business English Writing, report writing, memo writing, letter writing than students in the Control Group using conventional method. Therefore, it can be concluded that the CLIL principle should be employed as an alternative method in future writing classes. These findings have significant pedagogical implications because the CLIL method facilitated students to improve in their Business English writing skills.