Engaging learners in project-based learning to enhance
learning autonomy
Weijiang Zhang
Monterey Language
Institute Associate Professor
论文摘要Paper Abstract:To enhance learning autonomy, the presenter believes that instructors can engage learners in project -based learning. To engage learners, a project must meet the following criteria: A) relevant to or an expansion what is being taught in line with curriculum content; B) interesting for learners to explore in class and outside class; C) end-product oriented to demonstrate learners’ achievement through their effort and exploration; and D) self-rewarding for learners. Only when these criteria are fully met in designing a project, can learners be actively involved and their participation and production can be maximized. And a project designer should also attend to factors affecting the completion of the project: time restraint, open-endedness of the production, and reflection.
The presenter believes that these aspects are primary for a simple, effective, manageable project-based instruction in a classroom setting. To serve this purpose, implementation in a time-constrained frame is crucial for its completion and success because learners feel rewarded when a project is completed. The presenter also believes a well-planned project can maximize learning effectiveness, promote learners’ autonomy, and enhance learners’ communicative skills and collaborative learning. To conclude, the presenter will showcase how to engage learners in completion of an in-class project.
发言人简介Presenter's Bio:Weijiang Zhang, Ph.D. is an associate professor of Chinese at Monterey Language Institute. He has over 25 years of college language teaching experience. He has made over 30 presentations and published many papers and book chapters on language teaching and learning. His major interests are language in culture and society, language acquisition and learning, teaching methodologies, and linguistic implications of online new words.