EXPERIENCES AND PERCEPTIONS OF SENIOR EFL STUDENTS ON PROJECT-BASED LEARNING IN A VIETNAMESE UNIVERSITY

Abstract

EFL (English as a Foreign Language) education plays a crucial role in a great number of universities where English is not a first or second language. In Vietnamese universities, students specialising in English are considered EFL learners. A lack of a language environment for language skills practice leads to students’ challenges in their language skills. Therefore, creating real-life learning activities for students both to learn the subject matter and improve language skills and other features is necessary. This research aims to investigate experiences and perceptions of thirty senior EFL students in a Vietnamese university towards PBL. The study was conducted with the use of mixed-method research. Findings showed that PBL could bring a number of benefits such as enhanced teamwork abilities, improved language skills, enhanced critical thinking and engagement. Additionally, students perceived the importance of PBL employed in course instruction and recognised the differences between traditional teaching techniques and PBL. Future research should be conducted on a larger scale, and there should be more empirical studies on the long-term impact of PBL concerning learning outcomes, the role of instructor support in PBL implementation and success, and strategies for addressing time management challenges and group dynamics in order to prove the effectiveness of PBL on EFL education.