Students Knowledge Building Engagement and Learning Outcomes in Business English Learning

Abstract

Knowledge building (KB) environment was a principle-based learning environment which places emphasis on idea improvement and knowledge creation. Students' engagement in knowledge building inquiry can be assessed both by learning indices in Analytic Toolkit (ATK) and use of discourse moves in Knowledge Forum (KF) notes. In this study, KB principles were introduced to a business English class, and 25 students conducted KF inquiry over a whole semester. Mixed methods were used to examine the students' changes in domain knowledge, learners' engagement in KF inquiry, and correlations between KF engagement and written examination. The results showed students improved their domain understanding significantly. In addition, some of students' ATK indices and discourse moves were correlated to students' written examination scores. This study shed light on how to design a principle-based KB environment and what particular discourse moves should be developed to promote students' learning outcomes.