Enhancing Language and Linguistic Proficiency Through Project-Based Learning: A Study from South India

Authors

  • Aby John

    Faculty of Philology, Institute of Modern Languages, Intercultural Communication and Migration, RUDN University (Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya St, Moscow 117198, Russian Federation
  • Anna D. Levshits

    Faculty of Philology, Department of Foreign Languages, RUDN University (Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya St, Moscow 117198, Russian Federation

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v6i5.7141
Received: 27 August 2024 | Revised: 6 September 2024 | Accepted: 13 September 2024 | Published Online: 11 November 2024

Abstract

Mastering language and linguistics, the foundations of human expression and understanding, is being revolutionized through project-based learning, enabling individuals to unlock their full potential in communication, cultural insight, and global connection. Although the significance of project-based learning (PBL) is increasing in the contemporary scenario, the prominence given to this mode of study is comparatively negligible. Many universities have failed to update their curriculum according to the ever-changing needs of the industry. Researches exploring the necessity of incorporating project-based learning in the field of language and linguistics are scarce. Interdisciplinary approach is the need of the time and incorporating project-based learning in language and linguistics can transform and revamp the talents of EFL students. This research helps to comprehend these perspectives in a wide manner and fills the existing gap. The responses were collected from 50 EFL faculty members and 165 EFL students. In order to collect the data, a structured survey questionnaire is prepared and distributed in higher education institutions in two south Indian states, namely, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Purposive sampling technique was employed at this stage. A five-point Likert scale, graphical analysis, percentage analysis, descriptive analysis and flowchart method were used to analyze, interpret and represent the collected data. This study explicates the necessity to have a curriculum that focuses on PBL from the early stage of higher education and its role in developing excellent research and critical thinking skills. The study finds that PBL increases the language acquisition skills and employability skills of the students.

Keywords:

Language; Linguistics; Writing; Reading; Project-Based Learning; English Language Teaching; Higher Education

References

[1] Pamungkas, S.F., Widiastuti, I., Suharno, 2020. 21st Century Learning: Experiential Learning to Enhance Critical Thinking in Vocational Education. Universal Journal of Educational Research. 8(4), 1345–1355. DOI: https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2020.080427

[2] Megayanti, T., Busono, T., Maknun, J., 2020. Project-based Learning Efficacy in Vocational Education: Literature Review. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering. 830(4), 042075. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899x/830/4/042075

[3] Zhang, L., Ma, Y., 2023. A Study of the Impact of Project-Based Learning on Student Learning Effects: A Meta-Analysis Study. Frontiers in Psychology. 14, 1202728. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1202728

[4] Alemneh, S., Gebrie, G., 2024. The Role of Project-Based Learning in Improving The Writing Ability and Sub-Writing Abilities of 10th Grade Amharic Speaking Students. Social Sciences & Humanities Open. 9, 100843. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2024.100843

[5] Fitria, F., Abidin, M., 2023. The Implementation of Project-Based Learning to Improve Students' Participation and Interaction in Learning Arabic Language: A Focus on Writing Skills. At-Tasyrih Jurnal Pendidikan dan Hukum Islam. 9(2), 196–206.

[6] Baines, A., DeBarger, A.H., De Vivo, K., et al., 2015. What Is Rigorous Project-Based Learning? [LER Position Paper 1]. Lucas Education Research, George Lucas Educational Foundation.

[7] Boardman, A.G., Garcia, A., Dalton, B., et al., 2021. Compose Our World: Project-Based Learning in Secondary English Language Arts. Teachers College Press: New York, NY, USA.

[8] Polman, J.L., 2012. Trajectories of Participation and Identification in Learning Communities Involving Disciplinary Practices. In: Dai, D.Y. (Ed.). Design Research on Learning and Thinking in Educational Settings: Enhancing Intellectual Growth and Functioning. Routledge: New York, NY, USA. pp. 225–242.

[9] Chen, C.-H., Yang, Y.-C., 2019. Revisiting the Effects of Project-Based Learning on Students' Academic Achievement: A Meta-Analysis Investigating Moderators. Educational Research Review. 26, 71–81. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2018.11.001

[10] Condliffe, B., Quint, J., Visher, M.G., et al., 2017. Project-based Learning: A Literature Review (Working Paper). MDRC. Available from: https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED578933

[11] Grossman, P., Dean, C.G.P., Kavanagh, S.S., et al., 2019. Preparing Teachers for Project-Based Teaching. Phi Delta Kappan. 100(7), 43–48. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0031721719841338

[12] Bell, S., 2010. Project-Based Learning for the 21st Century: Skills for the Future. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas. 83(2), 39–43. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00098650903505415

[13] John, A., 2021. A Sociolinguistic Perspective on The Increasing Relevance of The English Language: A Study Conducted Among Youngsters. International Journal of English Language and Literature Studies. 10(1), 11–21. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18488/journal.23.2021.101.11.21

[14] Guo, P., Saab, N., Post, L.S., et al., 2020. A Review of Project-Based Learning in Higher Education: Student Outcomes and Measures. International Journal of Educational Research. 102, 101586. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2020.101586

[15] Al-Balushi, S.M., Al-Aamri, S.S., 2014. The Effect of Environmental Science Projects on Students' Environmental Knowledge and Science Attitudes. International Research in Geographical and Environmental Education. 23(3), 213–227. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10382046.2014.927167

[16] John, A., 2020. The Prominent Barriers to Speaking in English: A Study Conducted Among Youngsters. International Journal of English Linguistics. 10(5), 190. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5539/ijel.v10n5p190

[17] Hernández-Ramos, P., De La Paz, S., 2009. Learning History in Middle School by Designing Multimedia in A Project-Based Learning Experience. Journal of Research on Technology in Education. 42(2), 151–173. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/15391523.2009.10782545

[18] Barak, M., Asad, K., 2012. Teaching Image-Processing Concepts in Junior High School: Boys' and Girls' Achievements and Attitudes Towards Technology. Research in Science & Technological Education. 30(1), 81–105. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02635143.2012.656084

[19] John, A., George, E., 2024. The Impact of Social Media and Electronic Literature on Literary Studies, Language Learning and Acculturation: A Study Conducted in South India. World Journal of English Language. 14(4), 546. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5430/wjel.v14n4p546

[20] Potvin, A.S., Boardman, A.G., Stamatis, K., 2021. Consequential Change: Teachers Scale Project-Based Learning in English Language Arts. Teaching and Teacher Education. 107, 103469. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2021.103469

[21] Kaldi, S., Filippatou, D., Govaris, C., 2011. Project-based Learning in Primary Schools: Effects on Pupils' Learning and Attitudes. Education 3-13. 39(1), 35–47. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03004270903179538

[22] Capraro, R.M., Slough, S.W., 2013. Why PBL? Why STEM? Why Now? In: Capraro, R.M., Capraro, M.M., Morgan, J.R. (Eds.). STEM Project-Based Learning. SensePublishers: Rotterdam, The Netherlands. pp. 1–5. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-6209-143-6_1

[23] Novak, A.M., Krajcik, J.S., 2019. A Case Study of Project-Based Learning of Middle School Students Exploring Water Quality. In: Moallem, M., Hung, W., Dabbagh, N. (Eds.). The Wiley Handbook of Problem-Based Learning. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.: Hoboken, NJ, USA. pp. 551–572. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119173243.ch24

[24] Saavedra, A.R., Liu, Y., Haderlein, S.K., et al., 2021. Knowledge in Action Efficacy Study Over Two Years. USC Dornsife: Centre for Economic and Social Research. Available from: https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED616435

[25] Viro, E., Lehtonen, D., Joutsenlahti, J., et al., 2020. Teachers' Perspectives on Project-Based Learning in Mathematics and Science. European Journal of Science and Mathematics Education. 8(1), 12–31. DOI: https://doi.org/10.30935/scimath/9544

[26] Ravichandran, K., Virgin, B.A., Gupta, L., et al., 2024. The Intelligent Technical Influence in Chat Generative Pre-Trained among Students for Modern Learning Traits. International Journal of Intelligent Systems and Applications in Engineering. 12(21S), 637–647. Available from: https://ijisae.org/index.php/IJISAE/article/view/5460

[27] Saad, A., Zainudin, S., 2022. A Review of Project-Based Learning (PBL) and Computational Thinking (CT) in Teaching and Learning. Learning and Motivation. 78, 101802. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lmot.2022.101802

[28] Hakimah, N., 2023. Assessing the Impact of Project-Based Learning on Students' Writing Skills: A Pre-Experimental Study. Acitya: Journal of Teaching and Education. 5(2), 434–448. DOI: https://doi.org/10.30650/ajte.v5i2.3723

[29] Imbaquingo, A., Cárdenas, J., 2023. Project-Based Learning As A Methodology to Improve Reading and Comprehension Skills in The English Language. Journal of Education Sciences. 13(6), 587. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13060587

[30] Halvorsen, A.L., Duke, N.K., Strachan, S.L., 2016. Project-based Learning Not Just for STEM Anymore. Phi Delta Kappan. 98(1), 14–19. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0031721716666047.

[31] Duke, N.K., Halvorsen, A., Strachan, S.L., et al., 2021. Putting PjBL to the Test: The Impact of Project-Based Learning on Second Graders' Social Studies and Literacy Learning and Motivation in Low-SES School Settings. American Educational Research Journal. 58(1), 160–200. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3102/0002831220929638

[32] Revelle, K.Z., 2019. Teacher Perceptions of A Project-Based Approach to Social Studies and Literacy Instruction. Teaching and Teacher Education. 84, 95–105. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2019.04.016

[33] Piaget, J., Inhelder, B., 2000. The Psychology of the Child. Basic Books: New York, NY, USA.

[34] Vygotskiĭ, L.S., 1978. Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes. Harvard University Press: Cambridge, MA, USA.

[35] Paul, R., 2012. Critical Thinking: What Every Person Needs to Survive in A Rapidly Changing World. Foundation for Critical Thinking: Tomales, CA, USA.

[36] Kolb, A.Y., Kolb, D.A., 2022. Experiential Learning Theory As A Guide for Experiential Educators in Higher Education. Experiential Learning and Teaching in Higher Education. 1(1), 38. DOI: https://doi.org/10.46787/elthe.v1i1.3362

[37] Alsamani, 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. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v9n1p51

[38] Mohamadi, Z., 2018. Comparative Effect of Project-Based Learning and Electronic Project-Based Learning on The Development and Sustained Development of English Idiom Knowledge. Journal of Computing in Higher Education. 30(2), 363–385. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12528-018-9169-1

[39] Mou, T.Y., 2019. Students' Evaluation of Their Experiences With Project-Based Learning in A 3D Design Class. The Asia-Pacific Education Researcher. 29(2), 159–170. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40299-019-00462-4

[40] Stefanou, C., Stolk, J.D., Prince, M., et al., 2013. Self-regulation and Autonomy in Problem- and Project-Based Learning Environments. Active Learning in Higher Education. 14(2), 109–122. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1469787413481132

[41] Torres, A.S., Sriraman, V., Ortiz, A.M., 2017. Implementing Project Based Learning Pedagogy in Concrete Industry Project Management. International Journal of Construction Education and Research. 15(1), 62–79. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/15578771.2017.1393475

[42] Triono Ahmad, S., Watrianthos, R., Dwinggo Samala, A., et al., 2023. Project-based Learning in Vocational Education: A Bibliometric Approach. International Journal of Modern Education and Computer Science. 15(4), 43–56. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5815/ijmecs.2023.04.04

[43] Simpson, J., 2011. Integrating Project-Based Learning in An English Language Tourism Classroom in A Thai University [Doctoral Dissertation]. Australian Catholic University. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4226/66/5a961e4ec686b

[44] Lam, N.T.V., 2011. Project Based Learning in Teaching English As A Foreign Language. VNU Journal of Science, Foreign Languages. 27, 140–146.

[45] Nassir, S.M.S., 2014. The Effectiveness of Project-Based Learning Strategy on Ninth Graders' Achievement Level and Their Attitude Towards English in Governmental School-North Governorate [Master's Thesis]. The Islamic University of Gaza: Gaza, PS.

[46] Kavlu, A., 2017. Implementation of Project-Based Learning (PBL) in EFL (English as a Foreign Language) Classrooms in Fezalar Educational Institutions (Iraq). International Journal of Social Sciences & Educational Studies. 4(2), 67–79.

[47] Syarifah, E.F., Emiliasari, R.N., 2018. Project-based Learning to Develop Students' Ability and Creativity in Writing Narrative Story. Indonesian EFL Journal. 5(1), 85–94. DOI: https://doi.org/10.25134/ieflj.v5i1.1627

[48] Praba, L.T., Artini, L., Ramendra, D.P., 2018. Project based Learning and Writing Skill in EFL: Are They Related? SHS Web of Conference. 42, 00059. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/shsconf/20184200059

[49] Essien, A.M., 2018. The Effects of Project-Based Learning on Students' English Language Ability. The 2018 International Academic Research Conference; Vienna, AT, USA. pp. 438–443.

[50] Jumaat, N.F., Tasir, Z., Abd Halim, N.D., et al., 2017. Project-Based Learning from Constructivism Point of View. Advanced Science Letters. 23(8), 7904–7906. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1166/asl.2017.9605

[51] Ariyani, L.F., Widjaja, S.U., Wahyono, H., et al., 2021. Vocational Education Phenomena Research Method. MethodsX. 8, 101537. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mex.2021.101537

[52] Vogler, J.S., Thompson, P., Davis, D.W., et al., 2018. The Hard Work of Soft Skills: Augmenting The Project-Based Learning Experience With Interdisciplinary Teamwork. Instructional Science. 46(3), 457–488. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11251-017-9438-9

[53] Lesmana, I., Mulianti, P., Kassymova, G.K., 2023. Implementation of Project-Based Learning (PjBL) Model to Increase Students' Creativity and Critical Thinking Skill in Vocational Creative Product Subjects. Jurnal Pendidikan Teknologi Kejuruan. 6(3), 202–215. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24036/jptk.v6i3.34023

Downloads

How to Cite

John, A., & Anna D. Levshits. (2024). Enhancing Language and Linguistic Proficiency Through Project-Based Learning: A Study from South India. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 6(5), 326–335. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v6i5.7141

Issue

Vol. 6 , Iss. 5 (November 2024)

Article Type

Article

License

Copyright © 2024 Moussa Diagne Faye, Vini Yves Bernadin Loyara, Amadou Keita, Mamadou Diop, Angelbert Chabi Biaou, Mahamadou Koita, Hamma Yacouba

Creative Commons License

This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.