Project-Based Learning in Chinese College English Listening and Speaking Course: From Theory to Practice

Yiying ZHANG

Abstract


One of the most critical problems in EFL teaching is students’ lack of authentic English environment. This paper explored the necessity and implementation of project-based learning (PBL) in Chinese college English listening and speaking class. The course included a ten-week semi-structured project consisting of five stages. In this course, the students had opportunities to practice English skills while applying English to do research and complete authentic tasks. Results showed that their motivation and autonomy of learning English were enhanced, and their ability of using their knowledge to acquire, analyze, and synthesize information was improved dramatically. Therefore, PBL is a viable and flexible alternative to traditional English teaching and learning. However, problems may occur such as group management, student participation, assessment and criteria, and time distribution, which needs further research.


Keywords


Project-Based learning; English listening and speaking abilities; EFL learners, student-centered

Full Text:

PDF

References


Beckett, G. H., & Slater, T. (2005). The Project Framework: A Tool for Language, Content, and Skills Integration. ELT Journal, 59(2), 108-116.

Chayanuvat, A. (2007). Developing a PBL English Course: A Discovery Journey. Paper presented at the Third International Conference on PBL, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand. Retrieved September 26, 2011 from http://pbl2.wu.ac. th/conference/

Fang, X., & Warschauer, M. (2004). Technology and Curriculum Reform in China: A Case Study. TESOL Quarterly, 38, 301-323.

Gu, P. (2002). Effects of Project-based CALL on Chinese EFL Learners’. Asian journal of English language teaching, 12, 195-210.

Gu, P., & Fang, Y. (2003). Project-based Learning with Technology on the Principle of Constructivism. Foreign Language and Their Teaching, 3, 28-31.

Harris, J. H., & Katz, L. G. (2001). Young Investigators: The Project Approach in the Early Years. New York.

Korkmaz, H., & Kaptan, F. (2000). Fen Ogretiminde Proje Tabanli Ogrenme Yaklasimi. Hacettepe Universitesi Egitim Fakultesi Dergisi, 20, 193-200.

Mills, N. (2009). A Guide Du Routard Simulation: Increasing Self-Efficacy in the Standards Through Project-Based Learning. Foreign Language Annals, 42, 607-639.

Moss, D., & Van Duzer, C. (1998). Project-based Learning for Adult English Language Learners. Washington, DC: National Center for ESL Literacy Education. Retrieved 2006, December 22, from http://www.cal.org/caela/esl_resources/digests/ProjBase.html

Shang, M. R. (2007). Content-based Instructional Approach and Its Implementation: A Report on International Business Curriculum (Unpublished paper). International Conference on Language Education and Research, July 8th-July 14th, Macao and Urumqi of China.

Simpson, J. (2011). Integrating Project-Based Learning in an English Language Tourism Classroom in a Thai University Institution (Doctoral thesis). Australian Catholic University.

Srikrai, P. (2008). Project-based Learning in an EFL Classroom. Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, Khon Kean University, 25, 85-111.

Stein, S. (1995). Equipped for the Future: A Customer-Driven Vision for Adult Literacy and Lifelong Learning. Washington, DC: National Institute for Literacy.

Trabelsi, S. (2013). Project Works as Vehicles for Authenticity in the Graduate Business School Of Sfax, Tunisia. Arab World English Journal, 4(2), 77-92.

Wrigley, H. S. (1998). Knowledge in Action: The Promise of Project-Based Learning. Focus on basics 2(D). Retrieved from http://www.ncsall.net/?id=384 retrieved April 19th, 2012.

Zhao, Y. Q. (2004). A Project-Based Language Package for Ph. D Candidates at HIT. CELEA Journal, 27(4), 95-98.




DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3968/7532

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Copyright (c) 2015 Canadian Social Science



Reminder

  • How to do online submission to another Journal?
  • If you have already registered in Journal A, then how can you submit another article to Journal B? It takes two steps to make it happen:

Submission Guidelines for Canadian Social Science

We are currently accepting submissions via email only. The registration and online submission functions have been disabled.

Please send your manuscripts to css@cscanada.net，or css@cscanada.org for consideration. We look forward to receiving your work.

 Articles published in Canadian Social Science are licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC-BY).

 

Canadian Social Science Editorial Office

Address: 1020 Bouvier Street, Suite 400, Quebec City, Quebec, G2K 0K9, Canada.
Telephone: 1-514-558 6138 
Website: Http://www.cscanada.net; Http://www.cscanada.org 
E-mail:caooc@hotmail.com; office@cscanada.net

Copyright © Canadian Academy of Oriental and Occidental Culture