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

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

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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

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2.3 Procedure of PBL
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The 5th International Conference on ELT in China

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3. Findings
3.1 Students’ improvement in learner autonomy
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The 5th International Conference on ELT in China

9. 3.2 No significant improvement in the third semester
May, 17-21, 2007
The 5th International Conference on ELT in China

10. 3.3 Significant improvement in the 4th semester
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The 5th International Conference on ELT in China

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3.4 Other benefits of PBL
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The 5th International Conference on ELT in China

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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

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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

14. Sample project work (Thanks-giving Day)
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The 5th International Conference on ELT in China

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Part-time job
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The 5th International Conference on ELT in China

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

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Love PPT
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The 5th International Conference on ELT in China

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Web-pages (Love)
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The 5th International Conference on ELT in China

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Anti-Japanese War
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The 5th International Conference on ELT in China

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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

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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

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