Abstract
Project-Based Learning is an approach that is significantly different from the conventional English Language Teaching method. PBL has been advocated as an effective instruction that promotes the simultaneous acquisition of language, content, and 21st-century skills to EFL (English as a foreign language) and ESL context. In this study researcher’s attempt is to integrate PBL (Project-Based Learning) approach, which incorporates authentic, learning by doing, problem-solving, critical thinking and team working skills with ESP (English for specific purposes) courses. The study aimed to investigate whether the PBL projects assist EFL learners in acquiring department related literature and information in the English language and the effect of project work on learners’ ESP course academic achievement. The study was conducted at Tishk International University, formerly known as Ishik University, in Iraq-Kurdistan Region with 2 Engineering (Architectural and Civil engineering) and Business and Management departments’ students. A mixed-method approach was designed to make the authentic interpretation of gained results. Quantitative and Qualitative instruments were utilized to probe the effect of PBL in the ESP course of undergraduate Iraqi EFL learners. The findings of this study reveal that PBL had a significant positive effect on acquiring department-related vocabulary and information in English as well as learners’ ESP course academic achievement showed statistically significant increment.
Highlights
To keep up and follow a rapidly developing and changing technologic and globalized world step by step and not to fall behind, the importance of the English Language is indisputable
Purpose of the Study The study aims to seek the effect of PBL—Project-Based Learning in English for Specific Purposes (ESP) courses of First-Year undergraduate EFL learners of Tishk International University, formerly known as Ishik University. 3.1 Research Questions The present study attempts to investigate the answers to the following questions: 1) What are students’ English Language backgrounds in Architecture Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Business and Management Department of Tishk International University Sulaimaniyah, formerly known as Ishik University? 2) What is the contribution of projects to students’ field related English? 3) What are student’s opinions about how Project-Based Learning enhances their English language skills? 3.2 Research Hypotheses The current study examined and verified the validity of the following hypothesis
This study provided an in-depth examination of PBL integration into the EFL context and quantitatively and qualitatively proved the significant effect of PBL on students’ English Language skills and PBL assists students in learning skills and strategies improvement
Summary
To keep up and follow a rapidly developing and changing technologic and globalized world step by step and not to fall behind, the importance of the English Language is indisputable. As the researcher is an English Language lecturer in one of the private Universities in Iraq, she has observed through whole her teaching experience in this region, students long for being able to speak English fluently, comprehend English written material and speak comfortably, and have a good or in other words the perfect level of English. At this point, the question ‘Why?’ arises—because as in all Gulf countries in Iraq having good commands of English accepted prestigious. In all private universities and public universities (in departments with high entrance scores—such as Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Engineering and Science departments), and especially in ijel.ccsenet.org
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