Design and Implementation of the Development of a Corpus-based Loose-leaf Textbook for Higher Vocational English Learners: Using the Cross-border E-Commerce Operations English as an Example

Abstract

Current higher vocational English textbooks have limitations in providing timely work-related information, representing the nature of vocational education, preserving authenticity of text materials, and using technology to enhance textbook interactivity. To address the limitations of current higher vocational English textbooks, this study adopts corpus-based approaches to developing a loose-leaf textbook for higher vocational English, a new form of textbook that delivers timely, authentic, job-oriented content enhanced by digitalization. Upon an on-the-job investigation, this study builds CECLOTED, a corpus congruent with the typical job tasks for cross-border E-commerce operations. Based on corpus data analysis upon metrics of frequency, keyness, dispersion, collocation and colligation, this study strikes a balance between authentic text feature and linguistic complexity appropriate for higher vocational English learners. This study also develops an online learning platform coherent with the printed textbook with B/S architecture so as to present information in a ubiquitous, dynamic and interactive manner. Compared with the conventional textbook, the loose-leaf textbook which comprises learning texts, vocabulary lists, learning tasks and an online learning platform is more conducive to enhancing language proficiency and job-related skills.