Development of 4Th Year Students’ English Proficiency through Project-Based Learning
Thai-Nichi Institute of Technology, Thailand
ABSTRACT
The purposes of this research were as follows: 1) to investigate effectiveness of teaching-learning process by using Project-Based Learning for fourth-year TNI students, and 2) to study students’ satisfaction towards teaching-learning process by using Project Based Learning. Research samples were 40 fourth-year TNI students who enrolled in Reading and Writing Skills in English1 (ENL-415) and Academic Writing (ENL-420) courses in the first semester of 2014 academic year. The instrument used for gathering the data were the questionnaires with rating-scale and open-ended questions and interview. Statistic used for analyzing the data were mean, standard deviation and content analysis. Research findings were as follows: Students had a high level of satisfaction towards teaching-learning process by using Project- Based Learning. When considering each aspect, teaching materials and teaching techniques were at high levels. Students had a high level of satisfaction towards three stages of Project- Based Learning. When considering each aspect, Pre-Project Stage, During-Project Stage and Post-Project Stage were at high levels. Students had a high level of satisfaction on their self-assessment towards teaching-learning process by using Project-Based Learning. Results of students’ interviews were listed as follows: Advantages of teaching-learning process by using Project- Based Learning were improvement of four English communicative skills- listening, speaking, reading and writing; and working experiences derived from an interview with an organization. Benefits of teaching-learning process by using Project- Based Learning were to enhance knowledge, thinking skills, attitude, personalities, and practice. Problems and obstacles of teaching-learning process by using Project- Based Learning were time-consuming, process of interview and team working.
KEYWORDS
Project-Based Learning, English Teaching-Learning Process, English Teaching Activities