Project-based Learning and Learner Autonomy Wang Duqin wangduqin@sina.com May, 17-21, 2007 The 5th International Conference on ELT in China

The 5th International Conference on ELT in China Outline Basic concepts Research method Findings Projects for learner autonomy May, 17-21, 2007 The 5th International Conference on ELT in China

The 5th International Conference on ELT in China 1. Basic concepts Learner autonomy: the desirable goal of education Learner autonomy: a readiness to take charge of one’s own learning in the service of one’s needs and purposes, a capacity and willingness to act independently and in cooperation with others, as a socially responsible person. Learner autonomy: planning, advance organizer, self-monitor, self-evaluation, self-management, adjustment of learning plans and learning strategies May, 17-21, 2007 The 5th International Conference on ELT in China

1.1 Cultivation of learner autonomy Through strategy training Metacognitive plus cognitive Isolated training programme and embedded training in normal classroom One’s metacognition cannot improve much during the four years in college without designed instruction Project-based learning for learner autonomy May, 17-21, 2007 The 5th International Conference on ELT in China

1.2 Project-based learning as a systematic teaching method that engages students in learning knowledge and skills through an extended inquiry process structured around complex, authentic questions and carefully designed products and tasks. An instruction method which uses authentic, complex, real-life projects to motivate learning and provide learning experiences; a kind of activity in which students compose, test, improve and create something May, 17-21, 2007 The 5th International Conference on ELT in China

The 5th International Conference on ELT in China 2. Research method 2.1 Subjects: 8 classes of freshmen 2.2 Implementation: project-based instruction in listening, and reading Classroom-based projects, out-of-class projects Four semesters May, 17-21, 2007 The 5th International Conference on ELT in China

The 5th International Conference on ELT in China 2.3 Procedure of PBL May, 17-21, 2007 The 5th International Conference on ELT in China

The 5th International Conference on ELT in China 3. Findings 3.1 Students’ improvement in learner autonomy May, 17-21, 2007 The 5th International Conference on ELT in China

3.2 No significant improvement in the third semester May, 17-21, 2007 The 5th International Conference on ELT in China

3.3 Significant improvement in the 4th semester May, 17-21, 2007 The 5th International Conference on ELT in China

The 5th International Conference on ELT in China 3.4 Other benefits of PBL May, 17-21, 2007 The 5th International Conference on ELT in China

The 5th International Conference on ELT in China 4. Implication It is feasible to conduct project-based learning in college English instruction. PBL can be a way to develop learner autonomy. May, 17-21, 2007 The 5th International Conference on ELT in China

The 5th International Conference on ELT in China 4.1 Principles It is necessary to give proper instructions in PBL and assign different roles to group members. Group work (to prevent non-participation) Opportunity should be given for students to plan, resource, analyze, process, synthesize and evaluate. Virtual life: Decide on the theme; choices (surfing the internet, reading news release, interview students, questionnaire investigation); presentation (report, webpage, PPT, video) May, 17-21, 2007 The 5th International Conference on ELT in China

Sample project work (Thanks-giving Day) May, 17-21, 2007 The 5th International Conference on ELT in China

The 5th International Conference on ELT in China Part-time job May, 17-21, 2007 The 5th International Conference on ELT in China

The 5th International Conference on ELT in China 2008 Olympics May, 17-21, 2007 The 5th International Conference on ELT in China

The 5th International Conference on ELT in China Love PPT May, 17-21, 2007 The 5th International Conference on ELT in China

The 5th International Conference on ELT in China Web-pages (Love) May, 17-21, 2007 The 5th International Conference on ELT in China

The 5th International Conference on ELT in China Anti-Japanese War May, 17-21, 2007 The 5th International Conference on ELT in China

The 5th International Conference on ELT in China 4.2 Assessment of PBL Learning logs (PBL portfolio) Student conference (three for each project) Assessment of the product Assessment of the process May, 17-21, 2007 The 5th International Conference on ELT in China

The 5th International Conference on ELT in China 5. Suggestions Topic-related projects, theme-based projects are desirable Structured projects and open-ended projects should be combined. Projects can be adopted for both process assessment and outcome-based assessment. Assessment should be made of both the process and product of PBL. May, 17-21, 2007 The 5th International Conference on ELT in China

The 5th International Conference on ELT in China Thank You for your attention! May, 17-21, 2007 The 5th International Conference on ELT in China