Preparing students for future employment? An exploratory study of English language education in vocational high schools in Taiwan

Abstract

This study explores aspects of how English language education in vocational high schools (VHSs) in Taiwan prepares students for their intended employment. It looks at the English language curriculum in VHSs and examines the ways in which it aims to equip students with the English necessary for their intended employment. It also looks at teachers’ and students’ experiences of English language teaching and learning in VHSs, particularly in terms of their perspectives on the extent to which English language education at VHSs prepares students for their intended employment, and the extent to which it provides students with the English language skills necessary to compete in a global job market.

The central question that this study seeks to address is: How does English language education at VHSs prepare students for their intended employment?

The above question is shaped through answering the following two sub-questions:

1. What are the ways in which the English language curriculum in VHSs in Taiwan aims to equip students with the English necessary for their intended employment?

2. What are teachers’ and students’ perspectives on English language education, and on the extent to which English language education at VHSs prepares students for future employment, particularly in terms of providing them with the English skills necessary to compete in a global job market?

A mixed-methods research design, involving questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, is used in an attempt to make best use of each approach to explain and answer research questions. The thesis concludes by proposing a model in light of the findings, outlining some of the implications of the research findings, and presenting some recommendations for further research.