Enhancing Business Email Writing Ability through the Integration of Genre-based Approach and Data-driven Learning

Abstract

Email functions as a pivotal tool in facilitating today’s business correspondence. Similar to other written genres, email incorporates distinct conventions and linguistic patterns that are recognized within a particular community. Deviating from the established conventions and recurring patterns can pose challenges for individuals engaging in communication within this genre. This study, which utilized a mixed methods research design, formulated a teaching approach that synergized genre-based approach (GBA) with data-driven learning (DDL) to facilitate business email writing instruction, while its effectiveness in enhancing students’ aptitude for written communication was investigated. The participants comprised 24 EFL university students with elementary (n=12) and intermediate (n=12) English proficiency levels from diverse academic disciplines. They underwent a 10-hour instructional course designed to augment their business email writing competence. Data were collected through pre-test and post-test assessments, supplemented by semi-structured interviews. The findings indicated a statistically significant improvement in participants’ business email writing ability subsequent to the intervention. Qualitatively, students’ post-intervention emails exhibited well-organized structure, comprehensive content, and contextual appropriateness, underpinned by practical, professional, and linguistically accurate language use. Furthermore, students expressed satisfaction with the pedagogical approach as it effectively prepared them for real-world business email communication.