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FOSTERING STUDENTS’ AUTONOMY: PROJECT- BASED LEARNING AS AN INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGY

Year 2019, Volume: 5 Issue: 14, 194 - 199, 15.09.2019
https://doi.org/10.18768/ijaedu.593503

Abstract

Independent of
discipline or year of study, learner autonomy has become a topic of great
interest in SL and FL pedagogy over the last decades. It is seen as the ability
of learners to be responsible for the process of their own learning. In higher
educational contexts, where students have long been accustomed to instruction
through lecturing, their under-involvement generally leads to boredom, loss of
concentration and limited learning. In light of the literature, the present
paper explores the impact of project-based learning- as a non- conventional
teaching strategy- on the autonomous learning of a group of 30 ESP Moroccan
university students. Accordingly, the study employs an experiential practice
design, which aims at engaging students in a paired project assignment to be
eventually presented and discussed in class. Drawing on a reflective practice
approach, the study reveals interesting findings. Specifically, project-based
instruction enhances students’ autonomy and self-commitment, stimulates their
understanding of the topic presented and increases their motivation for
language learning and speaking skills. The results also show that students
enjoy using technology and multimedia aids while preparing for and delivering
their final presentations. Finally, the paper concludes by stressing the
limitations of teacher-centered pedagogies and strengthening the need for
practitioners to incorporate autonomy-promoting strategies into classrooms.

References

  • Hafner, C., & Miller, L. (2011). Fostering learner autonomy in English for science: A collaborative digital video project in a technological learning environment. . Language Learning and Technology, 15 (3),68-86. http:// llt.msu.edu/issues/october2011/hafnermiller.pdf. Herman, P. A. (1985). The effect of repeated readings on reading rate, speech pauses, and word recognition. Reading Research Quarterly, 20, 553-565. Doi: 10.2307/747942. Johnson, D. W., Johnson, R. & Holubec, E. (1990). Circles of Learning: Cooperation in the classroom. Edina, MN: Interaction Book Company. Kamberi, L. (2013). Proceeding, first Annual International Interdisciplinary Conference. AIIC, Promoting learner autonomy in foreign language learning by using student journals. Kolb, D. A., & Fry, R. E. (1974). Toward an applied theory of experiential learning. MIT. Alfred P. Sloan School of management. Kolb, D. (1984). Experiential learning: experience as the source of learning and development. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall. Krajcik, J.S., & Shin, N. (2014). Project-based learning. In R. K. Sawyer (Ed.), The Cambridge handbook of the learning sciences (2nd ed.) (pp. 275- 297). New York, NY: Cambridge University Press. Mitchell,C. & Weber, S. J. (1999). Reinventing ourselves as teachers: Beyond nostalgia. London: Falmer Press. http://dx.doi.org/10.43249780203454597 Nakamura, E. (2008). Effects of tasks repetition in “poster carousel.” In K. Bradford Watts, T. Muller, & M. Swanson (Eds.), JALT2007 Conference Proceedings (pp. 188-199). Tokyo, Japan: Japan Association of Language Teachers. Nation, I.S.P. (2001). Learning Vocabulary in another Language. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press. Rundell, M. (1999). Dictionary Use in Production. International Journal of Lexicography. 12.1: 35-53.
Year 2019, Volume: 5 Issue: 14, 194 - 199, 15.09.2019
https://doi.org/10.18768/ijaedu.593503

Abstract

References

  • Hafner, C., & Miller, L. (2011). Fostering learner autonomy in English for science: A collaborative digital video project in a technological learning environment. . Language Learning and Technology, 15 (3),68-86. http:// llt.msu.edu/issues/october2011/hafnermiller.pdf. Herman, P. A. (1985). The effect of repeated readings on reading rate, speech pauses, and word recognition. Reading Research Quarterly, 20, 553-565. Doi: 10.2307/747942. Johnson, D. W., Johnson, R. & Holubec, E. (1990). Circles of Learning: Cooperation in the classroom. Edina, MN: Interaction Book Company. Kamberi, L. (2013). Proceeding, first Annual International Interdisciplinary Conference. AIIC, Promoting learner autonomy in foreign language learning by using student journals. Kolb, D. A., & Fry, R. E. (1974). Toward an applied theory of experiential learning. MIT. Alfred P. Sloan School of management. Kolb, D. (1984). Experiential learning: experience as the source of learning and development. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall. Krajcik, J.S., & Shin, N. (2014). Project-based learning. In R. K. Sawyer (Ed.), The Cambridge handbook of the learning sciences (2nd ed.) (pp. 275- 297). New York, NY: Cambridge University Press. Mitchell,C. & Weber, S. J. (1999). Reinventing ourselves as teachers: Beyond nostalgia. London: Falmer Press. http://dx.doi.org/10.43249780203454597 Nakamura, E. (2008). Effects of tasks repetition in “poster carousel.” In K. Bradford Watts, T. Muller, & M. Swanson (Eds.), JALT2007 Conference Proceedings (pp. 188-199). Tokyo, Japan: Japan Association of Language Teachers. Nation, I.S.P. (2001). Learning Vocabulary in another Language. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press. Rundell, M. (1999). Dictionary Use in Production. International Journal of Lexicography. 12.1: 35-53.
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Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Other Fields of Education
Journal Section Articles
Authors

Meryem Rostom

Publication Date September 15, 2019
Submission Date July 18, 2019
Published in Issue Year 2019Volume: 5 Issue: 14

Cite

EndNote Rostom M (September 1, 2019) FOSTERING STUDENTS’ AUTONOMY: PROJECT- BASED LEARNING AS AN INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGY. IJAEDU- International E-Journal of Advances in Education 5 14 194–199.

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