EFL Students' Perspectives toward Project-Based Learning in Vocational High Schools

Abstract

In the world of education, there are many methods that can be used in the learning process. In the 21st century, the project based learning method is often used because it is in accordance with the current curriculum. This research aims to describe EFL students' perspectives toward project-based learning in vocational high school. Researchers used a mixed method by collecting data using a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. The subjects of this research were 59 students of SMK PGRI 3 Malang from the animation and design, communication and visual department. The research results revealed that more than 71% of students gave positive responses to this method which was considered effective for increasing understanding, activeness, motivation and speaking ability in vocational high school English classes. Students feel they can increase understanding by discussing with friends when working on projects. Apart from that, during discussions students feel more active in exchanging knowledge with each other in the group. Students also feel that project-based learning makes work easier and more fun because they are done together. In addition, students feel that their speaking skills have improved after making several presentations, and they are more confident in speaking in front of the class. Therefore, project-based learning is considered to be an appropriate method for learning English in vocational high schools. This research is expected to provide new knowledge for readers regarding EFL students' perspectives toward project-based learning in vocational high school. This is so that the implementation of project-based learning in the future can be more optimal than before.

The Pengenbangan

“…Most of the students experienced an increase in their ability to solve problems in dynamic electricity physics after learning physics using engineering design process-based student worksheets. Physics learning in vocational high school does not only cover concept mastery but also its application (Amalia et al, 2024;Hidayatullah et al, 2020). Physics learning must be developed on the basis of the application of theory (Roemintoyo & Budiarto, 2023).…”

Exploring the students’ perceptions of the integration of web-based and non-web-based ICT in ELT at the vocational high school in Indonesia

“…Understanding, rooted in cognitive theories like constructivism, highlights learners' active knowledge construction Journal on English as a Foreign Language, 14(1), 285-315 p-ISSN 2088-1657; e-ISSN 2502-6615 (Mugambi, 2018). Amalia et al (2024) utilized this concept to explore EFL students' views on project-based learning in vocational high schools. Ease of learning, informed by instructional design theories like Merrill's Principles of Instruction (Merrill, 2012), focuses on creating effective learning environments with appropriate instructional strategies and media.…”