Private elementary school teachers’ perceptions about using project based learning methodology in their EFL class

Abstract

"Teaching English has changed in many ways during the last century and new methods and approaches have been adopted and implemented by bilingual schools. For instance, Project Based Learning (PBL) is a methodology that offers a broad range of alternatives for both teachers and students. Teachers who have implemented PBL in their English teaching have better organization planning, time management, and attractive classes for students (Newell, 2003). Also, students who have worked with PBL help to enhance abilities, skills and strategies allowing developing their own knowledge, also they become more conscious about their surroundings, and drawing conclusions of real problems (Blumenfeld et al, 1991). For those reasons, this qualitative research intends to analyze eight teachers’ perspectives about the implementation of PBL in their English as a Foreign Language teaching practice in a private elementary school in Puebla. The results of this study provide several advantages and challenges that EFL teachers face in their teaching practice. This research not only identifies advantages and disadvantages of PBL teachers’ implementation, it also recognizes broad advantages and disadvantages for students as well as its impact in their students’ learning".