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Evaluating a corpus-based intervention in medical English writing: a mixed-methods study
Yu Pan1, Lixun Wang2, Yanle Zhang3
1School of Foreign Language Studies, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China. panyu@wmu.edu.cn.
BMC Medical Education
|June 18, 2026
Summary
Corpus-based technology-assisted language learning (TALL) significantly improved medical students' writing skills, enhancing clarity and professional register. This approach aids in articulating ethical responsibility and patient sensitivity in medical discourse.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Applied Linguistics
- Educational Technology
Background:
- Medical education increasingly explores language teaching for humanistic aims.
- Technology-assisted language learning (TALL) and corpus-based approaches offer pedagogical tools.
- Limited research exists on corpus-based TALL for representing humanistic values in clinical contexts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of a corpus-based intervention in TALL on medical students' written representation of humanistic and professional values.
- To analyze changes in students' articulation of ethical responsibility and patient perspectives.
Main Methods:
- A quasi-experimental mixed-methods study involving 60 medical students in Southeast China.
- Quantitative analysis of pre- and post-test writing scores and humanistic expression frequency.
- Qualitative content analysis of writings and semi-structured interviews.
Main Results:
- The experimental group showed significantly higher post-test writing scores and gains in clarity, accuracy, and professional language.
- Qualitative analysis revealed more explicit written representation of ethical considerations.
- The control group demonstrated limited changes in writing performance and ethical content.
Conclusions:
- Corpus consultation within technology-enhanced medical English instruction effectively strengthens linguistic precision and ethical framing in writing.
- This approach offers a methodological contribution to examining humanistic values through discursive patterns.
- Findings support integrating technology and linguistic analysis in bio-psycho-social medical education.
