PROJECT-BASED LEARNING IN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE CLASSROOM: PECULIARITIES OF IMPLEMENTATION

Abstract

The article deals with the aspects of project-based learning (PBL) for teaching foreign languages. The authors state that although PBL has much in common with task-based learning, which makes a task the central target of a lesson, PBL often makes it a whole semester or even academic year target and promotes learner centeredness to a higher level. PBL is usually comprised of three main stages: pre-task stage, performance stage and presentation stage which have their own peculiarities and standards to comply.
 Project-based learning allows students to achieve the highest level of mastery of a foreign language as it leads them to higher-order thinking, prepares them for academic, personal, career success, and makes young people ready to meet the challenges, gain the 21st century skills. Struggling students and students’ misbehavior and reluctance are considered to be essential factors that keep teachers away from implementing the method into life. Practical guidelines are given on how to get over obstacles and how to evaluate the outcomes of project work. The authors emphasize on the necessity of careful planning, team formation which will meet the needs of all the students, and elaboration of a rubric with sharply defined criteria (e.g., needs, accommodations, modifications, assets and team position) to evaluate students.