Synchronous (Onsite) Task-/Project-Based Learning (TBL/PBL) Research Report/Paper (25 mins Onsite)
A PBL-infused Business Communication Course Bringing EFL College Students Closer to Workplace
The current study proposed to integrate Problem-Based Learning into a college business communication course designed for English majors at the Department of English in a public university of science and technology in Taiwan. This study intended to examine students’ learning engagement and overall course effectiveness in the course infusing PBL learning. The research instruments consisted of both quantitative and qualitative methods, including learning engagement scale for college students (LESCS), the classroom teacher reflection notes, student interviews, and final course evaluation. The quantitative data were interpreted by using SPSS instrument to investigate pre-, mid-, and post- learning difference. The qualitative data presented the course effectiveness by looking into teacher reflections, student interviews, and reflections on course evaluation. The findings indicated: (1) PBL as an underpinning teaching method helped the participants engage, and (2) PBL, bringing in real-world issues, was embraced and considered an option to be adapted in EFL business courses.
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Jeng-yih Tim Hsu is an associate professor at the Department of English, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan. Tim holds a doctorate in Composition and TESOL from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, USA. He earned his Master in English Language and Linguistics from University of Arizona, USA. He is fluent in both English and Mandarin Chinese, and also speaks Japanese. His teaches courses on business writing, business presentation, and his current research interests center around adapting Problem-based Learning (PBL) into EFL classrooms.