Academic literacy and executive writing: How do Mexican universities structure reading and writing in English?
An analysis of university programs in Mexico shows three ways of teaching writing in English, and what executive writing can take from them.
Main topic: curriculum analysis, discourses on writing, and instruction in professional settings.
Advanced reading and writing skills in English are critical for professionals joining global research and business networks. A comparative analysis of university programs in Mexico shows that approaches to written production vary significantly across institutions, drawing on different theoretical models (following Ivanič’s typology):
- Skills and mechanics approach: prioritizes correct syntax and spelling and the use of precise vocabulary.
- Process approach: focuses on the cognitive stages of writing (planning, drafting, revising, and editing).
- Genre and social practices approach: teaches writing as a practice situated within specific professional communities, adapting the register to the reader’s expectations.
The study highlights considerable variation in the number of hours devoted to reading and writing in English as opposed to Spanish, and it points to the need to integrate written literacy across the curriculum, with clear professional communication goals.
Corporate application tip: in Executive Writing training, go beyond spot-correcting grammar. Adopt the discourse genre model so that executives learn to adapt structure, tone, and courtesy to the format (executive reports, proposal emails, or corporate minutes).
Study reference
Ramírez Balderas, et al. (2024). El diseño curricular y los discursos de Ivanič en la formación de la lectoescritura en cinco licenciaturas en enseñanza del inglés. MEXTESOL Journal, 48(1). UAEMex, UNACH, UJED, UATx, UNISON.