Promoting collaborative writing through wikis: a new approach for advancing innovative and active learning in an ESP context

New approaches to language teaching have emerged as a result of increasing advances in technology. Over the past decade, web-based social networking platforms have been widely adopted as collaborative tools for facilitating foreign language learning. This study focused on a novel way of enabling ESP learners to profit from writing, which is collaboration through wikis. The aim was to improve Taiwanese students’ English writing skills for business. The instruments used in this study included two writing tests and a survey questionnaire. Findings indicate that students who were engaged in the collaborative writing tasks gained mastery in business writing and enjoyed the challenge of this new learning experience. The results also suggest that wikis promote students’ interest in language learning, boost the development of their writing competencies and enhance the collaboration skills needed for success in the workplace.