The effects of project based learning in mandarin language speaking skill

Abstract

The aim of this study is to look into the effects of Project Based Learning (PjBL) in speaking skill on vocational college non-native Mandarin learners. A quasi-experimental study was carried out on 43 Mandarin learners, in which 23 learners were in the experimental group while 20 learners were in the control group. The participants were selected using convenience sampling technique. An adaptation of Stoller model (1997) was applied in the experimental group interventions while the control group was involved in a conventional teaching approach. Speaking skill was analyzed using speaking pretest and speaking posttest, which looked into the component of accuracy, pronunciation and fluency. The speaking pretest and speaking posttest data were analyzed using t-test. The result of the findings showed that the improvement achieved by experimental group is higher and more significant compared to the control group. The finding of the research provides suggestion towards how teachers can apply PjPL in their teaching sessions based on the suitability of the topic they teach.