Putting Real Work Practice into Class: A Case Study on the Application of Project-Based Learning to Teaching English for Professional Purpose

Abstract

In recent years, Chinese vocational education has progressed a methodological paradigm that places a greater emphasis on the idea of “competence” in order to increase student employability. Given the professionalization of vocational education, more flexible and engaging teaching-learning environments are required. The goal of this study is to conduct research on the application of Project-Based Language Learning (PBLL) to improve instructional strategies in Vocational English for Professional Purposes (EPP) classrooms. This study applied a qualitative case study methodology to gather information from semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis. The analysis of the data revealed that the instructors’ application of PBLL has the potential to improve students’ language proficiency and foster the growth of problem-solving skills and relevant competencies that are essential for achieving employability. In summary, this case study offers empirical proof of PBL’s effectiveness in EPP learning. Through the study’s findings, instructors and researchers with an interest in PBL integration in vocational CE classrooms may gain some insight of how teachers perceive and use PBL in actual classroom settings.