Research Article
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Project-based EFL learning at the tertiary level: Research, translation, creativity and interaction

Year 2022, , 162 - 182, 31.07.2022
https://doi.org/10.19128/turje.1061653

Abstract

Project-based learning (PBL) involves real-life-based use of investigative, interactive and creative tasks that extend beyond the classroom and culminate in authentic products. PBL can be used as a means to promote tertiary-level EFL learning, yet there is little research on the issue in Turkish higher education contexts. This study develops a PBL model with research, translation, creativity and interaction components for tertiary-level EFL preparatory class students and investigates its perceived effectiveness. The data were collected by questionnaires and interviews and analyzed through statistical and thematic analyses. The findings showed that there were significant differences in the students’ perceived competence in oral presentation skills, speaking fluency, speaking confidence, creativity in writing, creativity in visual or audiovisual output production, and time management before and after the treatment. Besides, thanks to PBL, the students were stated to experience research writing and translation. However, the PBL process was also found to be challenging due to the heavy workload. It is suggested the model be used in all kinds of EFL contexts including tertiary-level classes.

Supporting Institution

Adana Alparslan Türkeş Science and Technology University Scientific Research Coordination Unit

Project Number

18131002

Thanks

This work was supported by Adana Alparslan Türkeş Science and Technology University Scientific Research Coordination Unit - Project Number: 18131002. I would like to thank them for their support.

References

  • Affandi, A., & Sukyadi, D. (2016). Project-based learning and problem-based learning for EFL students’ writing achievement at the tertiary level. Rangsit Journal of Educational Studies, 3(1), 23-40. https://doi.org/10.14456/RJES.2016.2
  • Akpur, U. (2017). Evaluation of the curriculum of English preparatory program at Yıldız Technical University. Cumhuriyet International Journal of Education, 6(4), 441-457. https://doi.org/10.30703/cije.334913
  • Alsamani, A. A. S., & Daif-Allah, A. S. (2016). Introducing project-based instruction in the Saudi ESP classroom: A study in Qassim University. English Language Teaching, 9(1), 51-64. https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v9n1p51
  • Altınmakas, D., & Bayyurt, Y. (2019). An exploratory study on factors influencing undergraduate students’ academic writing practices in Turkey. Journal of English for Academic Studies, 37, 88-103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jeap.2018.11.006
  • Assaf, D. (2018). Motivating language learners during times of crisis through project-based learning: Filming activities at the Arab International University (AIU). Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 8(12), 1649-1657. https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.0812.10
  • Astawa, N. L. P. N. S. P., Artini, L. P., & Nitiasih, P. K. (2017). Project-based learning activities and EFL students’ productive skills in English. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 8(6), 1147-1155. http://dx.doi.org/10.17507/jltr.0806.16
  • Balcı, Ö., Durak-Üğüten, S., Çolak, F. (2018). The evaluation of compulsory English preparatory program: The case of Necmettin Erbakan University School of Foreign Languages. Journal of Theoretical Educational Science, 11(4), 860-893. http://dx.doi.org/10.30831/akukeg.410220
  • Beckett, G., & Miller, P. (Eds.). (2006). Project-based second and foreign language education. Information Age Publishing.
  • Beckett, G., & Slater, T. (2005). The project framework: A tool for language, content, and skills integration. ELT Journal, 59(2), 108-116. https://doi.org/10.1093/eltj/cci024
  • Blumenfeld, P. C., Soloway, E., Marx, R. W., Krajcik, J. S., Guzdial, M., & Palincsar, A. (1991). Motivating project-based learning: Sustaining the doing, supporting the learning. Educational Psychologist, 26(3-4), 369-398. https://doi.org/10.1080/00461520.1991.9653139
  • Büyükbucaklı, M. (2021). Contributions of project based learning in EFL writing classes. (Unpublished master's thesis). Istanbul Aydın University.
  • Cook, G. (2010). Translation in language teaching. Oxford University Press.
  • Creswell, J. (2013). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches. Sage.
  • Eyring, J. L. (1997). Is project work worth it? EricDigest. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED407838).
  • Fried-Booth, D. L. (2002). Project work. Oxford University Press.
  • Fujimura, T. (2016). EFL students’ learning through project work in a content-based course. The Journal of Kanda University of International Studies, 28, 105-124.
  • Genç, G. (2020). EFL learners’ views about project work implementation. Mediterranean Journal of Educational Research, 14(31), 87-10. https://doi.org/10.29329/mjer.2020.234.5
  • Gökçen, R. A. (2005). Instructors' and administrators' attitudes towards project work as an alternative assessment tool and as an instructional approach at Karadeniz Technical University School of Foreign Languages Department of Basic English. (Unpublished master's thesis). Bilkent University.
  • Gras-Velázquez, A. (Ed.). (2020). Project-based learning in second language education – Building communities of practice in higher education. Routledge.
  • Hatipoğlu, Ç. (2016). The impact of the university entrance exam on EFL education in Turkey: Pre-service English language teachers’ perspective. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 232, 136-144.
  • Keleş, S. (2007). An investigation of project work implementation in a university EFL preparatory school setting. (Unpublished master's thesis). Bilkent University.
  • Kemaloglu, E. (2006). Project work: How well does it work? Assessment of student and teachers about main course project work at Yıldız Technical University School of Foreign Languages Basic English Department. (Unpublished master's thesis). Bilkent University.
  • Kemaloglu, E. (2008). Project-aided language learning: gains, problems, solutions. In E. Kınsız, A. Ince & K. Demir (Eds.), Proceedings of the 1st Conference on the Issues & Problems of Foreign Language Education Departments (pp. 205-219). Mugla University.
  • Kemaloglu-Er, E. (2021a). Form-focused instruction evaluated by actual stakeholders: Isolated, integrated, or both? Reading Matrix, 21(2), 120-132.
  • Kemaloglu-Er, E. (2021b). Translation as an asset to raise global Englishes awareness in the English classroom. In M. D. Devereaux & C. C. Palmer (Eds.), Teaching English language variation in the global classroom – Models and lessons from around the world (pp. 34-42). Routledge.
  • Kettanun, C. (2015). Project-based learning and its validity in a Thai EFL classroom. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 192, 567-573. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.06.094
  • Kolb, D. (2015). Experiential learning: experience as the source of learning and development (2nd ed.). Pearson.
  • Larsen-Freeman, D. (2000). Techniques and principles in language teaching. Oxford University Press.
  • Lee, I. (2002). Project work made easy in the English classroom. The Canadian Modern Language Review, 59(2), 282-290.
  • Legutke, M., & Thomas, H. (1991). Process and experience in the language classroom. Longman.
  • Mali, Y. G. C. (2017). EFL students’ experiences in learning CALL through project based instructions. TEFLIN (The Association for the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language in Indonesia) Journal, 28(2), 170-192. http://dx.doi.org/10.15639/teflinjournal.v28i2/170-192
  • Papandreou, A. P. (1994). An application of the projects approach to EFL. English Teaching Forum, 32(3), 41-42.
  • Pym, A. (2018). Where translation studies lost the plot: Relations with language teaching. Translation and Translanguaging in Multilingual Contexts, 4(2), 203-222. https://doi.org/10.1075/ttmc.00010.pym
  • Richards, J. C. & Rodgers, T. S. (2001). Approaches and methods in language teaching. Cambridge University Press.
  • Sağlam, D. & Akdemir, E. (2018). Students’ views on preparatory school English language curriculum. Journal of Higher Education & Science, 8(2). 401-409. https://doi.org/10.5961/jhes.2018.282
  • Sheppard, K., & Stoller, F. L. (1995). Guidelines for the integration of student projects in ESP classrooms. English Teaching Forum, 33(2), 10-15.
  • Sholikhah, M. (2019). Speaking skill and critical thinking skill development through project based learning method of EFL tertiary students. SELL (Scope of English Language Teaching, Linguistics and Literature Journal), 4(2), 78-98.
  • Stoller, F. (2001). Project work: A means to promote language and content. In J. Richards & W. Renandya (Eds.), Methodology in language teaching: An anthology of current practice (pp. 107-119). Cambridge University Press.
  • Stoller, F. (2006). Establishing a theoretical foundation for project-based learning in second and foreign language contexts. In G. H. Beckett, & P. C. Miller (Eds.), Project-based second and foreign language education: Past, present, and future (pp. 19-40). Information Age.
  • Stoller, F. & Myers, C. C. (2020). Project-based learning: A five-stage framework to guide language teachers. In A. Grás-Velázquez (Ed.), Project-based learning in second language acquisition – Building communities of practice in higher education (pp. 25-47). Routledge.
  • Subaşı-Dinçman, P. (2002). Teachers' understandings of projects and portfolios at Hacettepe University School of Foreign Languages Basic English Division. (Unpublished master's thesis). Bilkent University.
  • Vygotsky, L. S. (1962). Thought and language. MIT Press
  • Wahbeh, D. G., Najjar, E. A., Sartawi, A. F., Abuzant, M., & Daher, W. (2021). The role of project-based language learning in developing students’ life skills. Sustainability, 13, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126518
  • Wahyudin, A. Y. (2017). The effect of project-based learning on L2 spoken performance of undergraduate students in English for business class. Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research, 82, 42-46. https://doi.org/10.2991/conaplin-16.2017.9
  • Widdowson, H. G. (2016). The role of translation in language learning and teaching. In J. House (Ed.), Translation: A multidisciplinary approach (pp. 224–240). Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137025487
  • Yaman, İ. (2014). EFL students’ attitudes towards the development of speaking skills via project-based learning: An omnipotent learning perspective. (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). Gazi University.
  • Yildirim, O. (2010). Washback effects of a high-stakes university entrance exam: Effects of the English section of the university entrance exam on future English language teachers in Turkey. The Asian EFL Journal Quarterly, 12(2), 92-116.
  • Yimwilai, S. (2020). The effects of project-based learning in an EFL classroom. Journal of Liberal Arts Maejo University, 8(2), 214-232.

Yükseköğrenim düzeyinde proje tabanlı yabancı dil olarak İngilizce öğrenimi: Araştırma, çeviri, yaratıcılık ve etkileşim

Year 2022, , 162 - 182, 31.07.2022
https://doi.org/10.19128/turje.1061653

Abstract

Proje tabanlı öğrenme, sınıf dışına uzanan ve özgün ürünlerle sonuçlandırılan araştırma içerikli, iletişimsel ve yaratıcı görevlerin gerçek hayat temelli olarak kullanımını içerir. Proje tabanlı öğrenme yükseköğrenim düzeyinde yabancı dil olarak İngilizce öğrenimini ilerletecek bir araç olarak kullanılabilir ancak bu konuda Türk yükseköğrenim bağlamlarında az sayıda araştırma vardır. Bu çalışma yükseköğrenim düzeyinde yabancı dil olarak İngilizce öğrenen hazırlık öğrencileri için araştırma, çeviri, yaratıcılık ve etkileşim ögelerini içeren bir proje tabanlı öğrenme modeli geliştirmekte ve modelin algılanan etkinliğini araştırmaktadır. Veriler anketler ve mülakatlar aracılığıyla toplanmış ve istatiksel ve tematik analizler yoluyla analiz edilmiştir. Sonuçlar uygulama öncesi ve sonrasında öğrencilerin sözlü sunum becerileri, konuşma akıcılığı, konuşma özgüveni, yazımda yaratıcılık, görsel ya da görsel-işitsel ürün üretmedeki yaratıcılık ve zaman yönetimine ilişkin algılanan yeterliliklerinde önemli farklar olduğunu ortaya koymuştur. Ayrıca, öğrencilerin araştırma yazımı ve çeviriyi proje tabanlı öğrenme sayesinde deneyimlediği belirtilmiştir. Ancak proje tabanlı öğrenme süreci ağır iş yükü nedeniyle zorlayıcı da bulunmuştur. Modelin yükseköğrenim düzeyindeki sınıflar dahil, yabancı dil olarak İngilizce öğretilen her çeşit bağlamda kullanılması tavsiye edilmiştir.

Project Number

18131002

References

  • Affandi, A., & Sukyadi, D. (2016). Project-based learning and problem-based learning for EFL students’ writing achievement at the tertiary level. Rangsit Journal of Educational Studies, 3(1), 23-40. https://doi.org/10.14456/RJES.2016.2
  • Akpur, U. (2017). Evaluation of the curriculum of English preparatory program at Yıldız Technical University. Cumhuriyet International Journal of Education, 6(4), 441-457. https://doi.org/10.30703/cije.334913
  • Alsamani, A. A. S., & Daif-Allah, A. S. (2016). Introducing project-based instruction in the Saudi ESP classroom: A study in Qassim University. English Language Teaching, 9(1), 51-64. https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v9n1p51
  • Altınmakas, D., & Bayyurt, Y. (2019). An exploratory study on factors influencing undergraduate students’ academic writing practices in Turkey. Journal of English for Academic Studies, 37, 88-103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jeap.2018.11.006
  • Assaf, D. (2018). Motivating language learners during times of crisis through project-based learning: Filming activities at the Arab International University (AIU). Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 8(12), 1649-1657. https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.0812.10
  • Astawa, N. L. P. N. S. P., Artini, L. P., & Nitiasih, P. K. (2017). Project-based learning activities and EFL students’ productive skills in English. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 8(6), 1147-1155. http://dx.doi.org/10.17507/jltr.0806.16
  • Balcı, Ö., Durak-Üğüten, S., Çolak, F. (2018). The evaluation of compulsory English preparatory program: The case of Necmettin Erbakan University School of Foreign Languages. Journal of Theoretical Educational Science, 11(4), 860-893. http://dx.doi.org/10.30831/akukeg.410220
  • Beckett, G., & Miller, P. (Eds.). (2006). Project-based second and foreign language education. Information Age Publishing.
  • Beckett, G., & Slater, T. (2005). The project framework: A tool for language, content, and skills integration. ELT Journal, 59(2), 108-116. https://doi.org/10.1093/eltj/cci024
  • Blumenfeld, P. C., Soloway, E., Marx, R. W., Krajcik, J. S., Guzdial, M., & Palincsar, A. (1991). Motivating project-based learning: Sustaining the doing, supporting the learning. Educational Psychologist, 26(3-4), 369-398. https://doi.org/10.1080/00461520.1991.9653139
  • Büyükbucaklı, M. (2021). Contributions of project based learning in EFL writing classes. (Unpublished master's thesis). Istanbul Aydın University.
  • Cook, G. (2010). Translation in language teaching. Oxford University Press.
  • Creswell, J. (2013). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches. Sage.
  • Eyring, J. L. (1997). Is project work worth it? EricDigest. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED407838).
  • Fried-Booth, D. L. (2002). Project work. Oxford University Press.
  • Fujimura, T. (2016). EFL students’ learning through project work in a content-based course. The Journal of Kanda University of International Studies, 28, 105-124.
  • Genç, G. (2020). EFL learners’ views about project work implementation. Mediterranean Journal of Educational Research, 14(31), 87-10. https://doi.org/10.29329/mjer.2020.234.5
  • Gökçen, R. A. (2005). Instructors' and administrators' attitudes towards project work as an alternative assessment tool and as an instructional approach at Karadeniz Technical University School of Foreign Languages Department of Basic English. (Unpublished master's thesis). Bilkent University.
  • Gras-Velázquez, A. (Ed.). (2020). Project-based learning in second language education – Building communities of practice in higher education. Routledge.
  • Hatipoğlu, Ç. (2016). The impact of the university entrance exam on EFL education in Turkey: Pre-service English language teachers’ perspective. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 232, 136-144.
  • Keleş, S. (2007). An investigation of project work implementation in a university EFL preparatory school setting. (Unpublished master's thesis). Bilkent University.
  • Kemaloglu, E. (2006). Project work: How well does it work? Assessment of student and teachers about main course project work at Yıldız Technical University School of Foreign Languages Basic English Department. (Unpublished master's thesis). Bilkent University.
  • Kemaloglu, E. (2008). Project-aided language learning: gains, problems, solutions. In E. Kınsız, A. Ince & K. Demir (Eds.), Proceedings of the 1st Conference on the Issues & Problems of Foreign Language Education Departments (pp. 205-219). Mugla University.
  • Kemaloglu-Er, E. (2021a). Form-focused instruction evaluated by actual stakeholders: Isolated, integrated, or both? Reading Matrix, 21(2), 120-132.
  • Kemaloglu-Er, E. (2021b). Translation as an asset to raise global Englishes awareness in the English classroom. In M. D. Devereaux & C. C. Palmer (Eds.), Teaching English language variation in the global classroom – Models and lessons from around the world (pp. 34-42). Routledge.
  • Kettanun, C. (2015). Project-based learning and its validity in a Thai EFL classroom. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 192, 567-573. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.06.094
  • Kolb, D. (2015). Experiential learning: experience as the source of learning and development (2nd ed.). Pearson.
  • Larsen-Freeman, D. (2000). Techniques and principles in language teaching. Oxford University Press.
  • Lee, I. (2002). Project work made easy in the English classroom. The Canadian Modern Language Review, 59(2), 282-290.
  • Legutke, M., & Thomas, H. (1991). Process and experience in the language classroom. Longman.
  • Mali, Y. G. C. (2017). EFL students’ experiences in learning CALL through project based instructions. TEFLIN (The Association for the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language in Indonesia) Journal, 28(2), 170-192. http://dx.doi.org/10.15639/teflinjournal.v28i2/170-192
  • Papandreou, A. P. (1994). An application of the projects approach to EFL. English Teaching Forum, 32(3), 41-42.
  • Pym, A. (2018). Where translation studies lost the plot: Relations with language teaching. Translation and Translanguaging in Multilingual Contexts, 4(2), 203-222. https://doi.org/10.1075/ttmc.00010.pym
  • Richards, J. C. & Rodgers, T. S. (2001). Approaches and methods in language teaching. Cambridge University Press.
  • Sağlam, D. & Akdemir, E. (2018). Students’ views on preparatory school English language curriculum. Journal of Higher Education & Science, 8(2). 401-409. https://doi.org/10.5961/jhes.2018.282
  • Sheppard, K., & Stoller, F. L. (1995). Guidelines for the integration of student projects in ESP classrooms. English Teaching Forum, 33(2), 10-15.
  • Sholikhah, M. (2019). Speaking skill and critical thinking skill development through project based learning method of EFL tertiary students. SELL (Scope of English Language Teaching, Linguistics and Literature Journal), 4(2), 78-98.
  • Stoller, F. (2001). Project work: A means to promote language and content. In J. Richards & W. Renandya (Eds.), Methodology in language teaching: An anthology of current practice (pp. 107-119). Cambridge University Press.
  • Stoller, F. (2006). Establishing a theoretical foundation for project-based learning in second and foreign language contexts. In G. H. Beckett, & P. C. Miller (Eds.), Project-based second and foreign language education: Past, present, and future (pp. 19-40). Information Age.
  • Stoller, F. & Myers, C. C. (2020). Project-based learning: A five-stage framework to guide language teachers. In A. Grás-Velázquez (Ed.), Project-based learning in second language acquisition – Building communities of practice in higher education (pp. 25-47). Routledge.
  • Subaşı-Dinçman, P. (2002). Teachers' understandings of projects and portfolios at Hacettepe University School of Foreign Languages Basic English Division. (Unpublished master's thesis). Bilkent University.
  • Vygotsky, L. S. (1962). Thought and language. MIT Press
  • Wahbeh, D. G., Najjar, E. A., Sartawi, A. F., Abuzant, M., & Daher, W. (2021). The role of project-based language learning in developing students’ life skills. Sustainability, 13, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126518
  • Wahyudin, A. Y. (2017). The effect of project-based learning on L2 spoken performance of undergraduate students in English for business class. Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research, 82, 42-46. https://doi.org/10.2991/conaplin-16.2017.9
  • Widdowson, H. G. (2016). The role of translation in language learning and teaching. In J. House (Ed.), Translation: A multidisciplinary approach (pp. 224–240). Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137025487
  • Yaman, İ. (2014). EFL students’ attitudes towards the development of speaking skills via project-based learning: An omnipotent learning perspective. (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). Gazi University.
  • Yildirim, O. (2010). Washback effects of a high-stakes university entrance exam: Effects of the English section of the university entrance exam on future English language teachers in Turkey. The Asian EFL Journal Quarterly, 12(2), 92-116.
  • Yimwilai, S. (2020). The effects of project-based learning in an EFL classroom. Journal of Liberal Arts Maejo University, 8(2), 214-232.
There are 48 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Other Fields of Education
Journal Section Research Articles
Authors

Elif Kemaloğlu Er 0000-0003-1238-1018

Project Number 18131002
Publication Date July 31, 2022
Acceptance Date June 30, 2022
Published in Issue Year 2022

Cite

APA Kemaloğlu Er, E. (2022). Project-based EFL learning at the tertiary level: Research, translation, creativity and interaction. Turkish Journal of Education, 11(3), 162-182. https://doi.org/10.19128/turje.1061653

Turkish Journal of Education is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0