Search

Research on English Education Reform Oriented by Workplace Needs

Author(s)

Zhuoqi Wu, Sihan Fu

Affiliation(s)

Department of Foreign Languages, Hankou University, Wuhan, Hubei, China

Abstract

Against the backdrop of economic globalization, there is a growing demand for talents with strong comprehensive English application skills. However, traditional English education in China often emphasizes theoretical knowledge over practical workplace communication, leading to a significant gap between graduate competencies and employer expectations. This study explores pathways for employment-oriented reform in English education. Through questionnaires and interviews analyzing industry needs, it identifies core requirements including effective communication, cross-cultural skills, professional English application, and professional ethics. The research examines current issues in curriculum design, teaching methods, textbooks, and evaluation systems. It proposes shifting the focus from language knowledge to vocational ability by implementing a modular curriculum combining general and industry-specific English, adopting student-centered teaching approaches such as task-based and scenario-simulated methods, developing integrated teaching materials aligned with real-world contexts, and establishing a multidimensional evaluation system. The findings aim to enhance the practical English proficiency and professional competitiveness of graduates, thereby better supporting national economic and social development strategies.

Keywords

Enterprise Demand; Application Ability; Evaluation System Reform; Artificial Intelligence; Education Policy

References

[1]Long Haiying. Exploration and Innovation of English Education and Teaching in Colleges and Universities for Social Needs. Caizhi, 2025, (12):80-83. [2]Liu Hui. Research on the Practical Path of "Workplace English" Curriculum Construction under the Background of Demand Analysis Theory. Cultural and Educational Materials, 2025, (14): 166-168-172. [3]Wang L, Sun J .Research on the Reform and Innovation of College English Teaching Based on OBE. International Journal of New Developments in Education, 2025, 7(7). [4]Hu Aimin. Discussion on the market demand-oriented college English teaching mode. Farmers’ Consultant, 2020, (21): 296. [5]Cao Yangyang. Research on the Curriculum Reform of "Workplace English" Based on the Needs of IT Industry. Modern English, 2024, (19): 43-45. [6]Chi Wenwen, Cao Huiling. Reform Practice of College English Teaching Based on the Production-Oriented Approach. English Square, 2023, (29): 82-85. DOI:10.16723/j.cnki.yygc.2023.29.014. [7]Lu Hanying. Research on the Transformation Path of College English Education in the Context of New Liberal Arts. English Square, 2024, (26): 71-75. DOI:10.16723/j.cnki.yygc.2024.26.013. [8]Tu Yuchen. Ideas for the Reform of College English Teaching Oriented by Enterprise Needs. Window of Knowledge (Teacher's Edition), 2023, (02): 45 - 47. [9]Cai Tongqing. Research on the Curriculum Construction and Reform of "Business and Workplace English" under the Background of "Integration of Specialization and Innovation". Modern English, 2024, (02): 25-27. [10]Lu Jing. Exploring Reform Pathways for College English Education under the New Curriculum Journal of Zaozhuang University, 2023, 40(03): 126-130.