An exploratory study on Project-Based Learning (PBL) in tertiary ESL classrooms in India: Teachers’ insights on adoption and challenges
Main Article Content
Abstract
Project-Based learning (PBL) has gained significance in English as a Second Language (ESL) education due to its efficacy in real time language acquisition. This study explores the ESL teachers’ perceptions of PBL, emphasising its implementation, impact, challenges and training at the tertiary level particularly engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu, India. Data were collected through questionnaire from 75 ESL teachers from engineering colleges. Further, to corroborate the questionnaire results, interviews were conducted with 15 teachers. The findings show that the ESL teachers show a positive attitude towards PBL however there exists a gap between knowledge and practice due to many challenges like large class size, rigid curriculum and limited proficiency students. Teachers emphasised the positive impacts in the teaching learning process. They also stressed the need for teachers training, institutional support for effective integration PBL in ESL classrooms.
Downloads
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
This open-access article is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 license.
You are free to: Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format. Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially. The licensor cannot revoke these freedoms as long as you follow the license terms.
Under the following terms: Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
No additional restrictions You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.
How to Cite
Share
References
“Doing a Project” vs. Project Based Learning. (n.d.). PBLWorks. Retrieved from https://www.pblworks.org/doingproject-vs-project-based-learning.
Alan, B., & Stoller, F. L. (2005). Maximizing the benefits of project work in foreign language classrooms. English Teaching Forum, 43(4), 10-21.
Bell, S. (2010). Project-based learning for the 21st century: Skills for the future. The Clearing House, 83(2), 39–43. https://doi.org/10.1080/00098650903505415
Bovill, C., Cook-Sather, A., Felten, P., Millard, L., & Moore-Cherry, N. (2016). Addressing potential challenges in co-creating learning and teaching: Overcoming resistance, navigating institutional norms, and ensuring inclusivity in student–staff partnerships. Higher Education, 71(2), 195–208. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-015-9896-4
Chi, D. N. (2023). Benefits of implementing project-based learning in an English for business course. Journal of Ethnic and Cultural Studies, 10(3), 55–71. https://www.jstor.org/stable/48736793
Ezhilarasi, M., & Mohanraj, S. G. (2023). Kumaraguru Project Based Learning (KPBL) Framework: The Futuristic Pedagogy for Gen Z Learners. In Transforming Engineering Education 2023 (p. 292)
Fleming, D. S. (2000). A teacher's guide to project-based learning. AEL, Inc. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED469734.pdf
Fried-Booth, D. L. (1986). Project work (4th impression). Oxford University Press.
Grant, M. M. (2002). Getting a grip on project-based learning: Theory, cases and recommendations. Meridian: A Middle School Computer Technologies Journal, 5,1-17.
Great Schools Partnership. (2013, August 29). Project-based learning definition. The Glossary of Education Reform. Retrieved from https://www.edglossary.org/project-based-learning/
Gupta, B. L., & Gupta, P. B. (2021). Project-based learning in technical institutions. Journal of Engineering and Technology Education, 15(1), 1–8. Retrieved from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/379037458_ProjectBased_Learning_in_Technical_Institutions/citation/download
Habók, A., & Nagy, J. (2016). In-service teachers’ perceptions of project-based learning. SpringerPlus, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40064-016-1725-4
Harris, M. J. (2015). The challenges of implementing project-based learning in middle schools (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). University of Pittsburgh.
Katz, L. G., & Chard, C. (2000). Engaging children’s minds: The project approach (2nd ed.). Ablex Publishing Corporation.
Khan, S., & Mohakud, L. L. (2016). Teacher's attitude towards effectiveness of project-based learning (PBL) at the higher secondary level in West Bengal. Enhancing Quality in Education. ISBN 978-81-923675-2-1.
Kilanava, M. (2024). Enhancing writing skills through PBL at higher education institutions: A case study. Education Quarterly Reviews, 7(1), 210-217. https://doi.org/10.31014/aior.1993.07.01.570
Kovalyova, Y. Y., Soboleva, A. V., & Kerimkulov, A. (2016). Project Based Learning in Teaching Communication Skills in English as a Foreign Language to Engineering Students. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET), 11(04), pp. 153–156. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v11i04.5416
Lee, J. S., Blackwell, S., Drake, J., & Moran, K. A. (2014). Taking a leap of faith: Redefining teaching and learning in higher education through project-based learning. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning, 8(2). https://doi.org/10.7771/1541-5015.1426
Lu, Q. (2021). A new project-based learning concept in English writing. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (IJET), 16(5), 214. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v16i05.21271
Mafruudloh, N., & Fitriati, R. (2020). The effect of project-based learning on students’ speaking ability. Celtic: A Journal of Culture, English Language Teaching, Literature, & Linguistics, 7(1), 57–64. https://doi.org/10.22219/celtic.v7i1.12203
Mai, H., & Trang, N. (2022). An investigation of reality and challenges of project-based learning implementation. European Journal of Foreign Language Teaching, 6(4). https://doi.org/10.46827/ejfl.v6i4.4609
Markham, T., Mergendoller, J., & Ravitz, J. (2003). Project-based learning handbook. Buck Institute for Education.
Ministry of Education, Government of India. (2020). National education policy 2020. Retrieved from https://www.education.gov.in/sites/upload_files/mhrd/files/NEP_Final_English_0.pdf
Moss, V., & Van Duzer, C. (1998). Project-based learning for adult English language learners. ERIC Digest. ERIC Document No. ED427556. Retrieved from https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED427556.
Nguyen, L. V., & Nguyen, L. H. C. (2019). Implementing project work in teaching English at high school: The case of Vietnamese teachers’ challenges. International Journal of Foreign Language Teaching and Research, 7(26), 11–25. Retrieved from https://sanad.iau.ir/Journal/jfl/Article/990515
NITI Aayog. (2025). Expanding quality higher education through states and state public universities. Retrieved from https://www.niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2025-02/Expanding-Quality-Higher-Education-through-SPUs.pdf
Papandreou, A. (1994). An application of the projects approach to EFL. English Teaching Forum, 32(3), 41–42.
Puangpunsi, N. (2021). Learners’ perception towards project-based learning in encouraging English skills performance and 21st-century skills. THAITESOL Journal, 34(1), 1–24. Retrieved from https://so05.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/thaitesoljournal/article/view/252353
Shafaei, A., & Rahim, H. A. (2015). Does project-based learning enhance Iranian EFL learners’ vocabulary recall and retention? Iranian Journal of Language Teaching Research, 3(2), 83-99. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1127235.pdf
Slater, T., & Beckett, G. H. (2024). Developing critical thinking and language skills through project-based learning and the Knowledge Framework. In S. Ali & B. M. Berg (Eds.), The content area language and literacy open education (pp. 117–135). Open Textbooks. Retrieved from https://digscholarship.unco.edu/textbooks/5.
Stevkovska, M. (2023). Developing academic reading skills through project-based learning. International Journal of Education and Philology, 4(1), 31–37. https://ijep.ibupress.com/uploads/2024/69.pdf.pdf
Stoller, F. L. (2002). Project work: A means to promote language and content. In J. C. Richards & W. A. Renandya (Eds.), Methodology in language teaching: An anthology of current practice (pp. 107–120). Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/cbo9780511667190.016
Tamim, S. R., & Grant, M. M. (2013). Definitions and uses: Case study of teachers implementing project-based learning. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning, 7(2). https://doi.org/10.7771/1541-5015.1323
TeachThought. (n.d.). The difference between doing projects and project-based learning (PBL). TeachThought. https://www.teachthought.com/project-based-learning/difference-between-doing-projects-and-pbl/
Thomas, J. W. (2000). A review of research on project-based learning [White paper]. The Autodesk Foundation. https://www.bie.org/research/study/review_of_project_based_learning_2000
Ward, J. D., & Lee, C. L. (2002). A review of problem-based learning. Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences Education, 20(1), 16–26.
Warr, M., & West, R. E. (2020). Bridging academic disciplines with interdisciplinary project-based learning. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.14434/ijpbl.v14i1.28590
Zaidi, S. (2014). Project-based English language instruction: A study of secondary school learners in India. ELT Worldwide: Journal of English Language Teaching, 1(1), 31. https://doi.org/10.26858/eltww.v1i1.840