A Review on Project Based Learning in Enhancing English Writing Skills

Authors

  • Chen Chao

    Academy of Language Studies, University of Technology MARA, Shah Alam 40450, Malaysia
  • Nurul Ajleaa Abdul Rahman

    Academy of Language Studies, University of Technology MARA, Shah Alam 40450, Malaysia
  • Goh Ying Soon

    Academy of Language Studies, University of Technology MARA, Shah Alam 40450, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i1.8106
Received: 1 November 2024 | Revised: 25 December 2024 | Accepted: 26 December 2024 | Published Online: 13 January 2025

Abstract

Writing is a complex skill requiring cognitive, linguistic, and creative capacities, particularly challenging for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. This review explores the effectiveness of Project-Based Learning (PBL) in enhancing English writing skills, emphasizing its potential to address common challenges faced by learners. PBL promotes active engagement, critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity through real-world, student-centered tasks. By integrating interdisciplinary approaches and authentic materials, PBL fosters practical language use and improves linguistic competencies, including grammar, vocabulary, and organizational skills. The review synthesizes findings from studies conducted in various educational contexts, highlighting the multifaceted benefits of PBL. Research demonstrates that PBL significantly enhances students' writing skills, including their ability to structure ideas coherently and apply genre-specific conventions. It also supports the development of essential 21st-century skills, such as problem-solving, time management, and teamwork. Furthermore, PBL has been shown to increase learners’ confidence and motivation, transforming writing tasks into meaningful and engaging experiences. While PBL presents notable advantages, challenges such as time constraints, resource limitations, and the need for teacher training remain. Addressing these barriers requires strategic implementation, adequate teacher preparation, and the use of clear project guidelines. Despite these challenges, the evidence supports PBL as a transformative pedagogical approach for enhancing writing skills. This review underscores the value of integrating PBL into EFL instruction to prepare learners for academic and professional communication demands while fostering linguistic proficiency and critical life skills.

Keywords:

English; Writing Skills; Project Based Learning

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How to Cite

Chao, C., Abdul Rahman, N. A., & Soon, G. Y. (2025). A Review on Project Based Learning in Enhancing English Writing Skills. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 7(1), 913–926. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i1.8106

Issue

Vol. 7 , Iss. 1 (January 2025)

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Review

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Copyright © 2025 Chen Chao, Nurul Ajleaa Abdul Rahman, Goh Ying Soon

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