The role of project-based language learning in developing students’ life skills

Abstract

Project-based learning is suggested for independent and collaborative learning that could positively impact students’ learning. This study aimed to identify the role of project-based language learning in developing life skills of students through studying a case of a language class that included 80 students in two grade 6 classes in a private school. The study attempted to answer the following question: What is the role of project-based learning in developing students’ life skills in an Arabic language class? To answer this question, we adopted a theoretical framework that included the following categories of life skills: personal and collaborative skills, self-orientation skills, and collective responsibility. The following three data collecting tools were used during the study: observation, semi-structured interviews, and the teacher and students’ documents. Data collection lasted for two months from late September 2019 to December 2019. Data analysis followed the thematic analyses framework, by categorizing data into themes. The research results indicated that project-based learning helps to improve language students’ personal and cooperative skills through developing their communication skills between themselves or with their teacher. In addition, project-based learning developed language students’ mutual respect, their confidence, and their self-regulation of learning the Arabic language.