This event is sponsored by Tokyo JALT.
Abstract
Project-based learning is a student-centered pedagogy implemented in classrooms to foster comprehensive understanding and expertise through the resolution of authentic challenges. PBL deepens learning by immersing students in practical, hands-on experiences, standing out as an active learning method that demands sustained involvement over an extended period to create substantial outcomes or address intricate questions. Furthermore, PBL empowers students to collaborate, cultivate teamwork skills, and utilize creative, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities to develop their own innovative approach to interacting with a real-world audience. In the EFL classroom, PBL can improve student motivation, interest, and engagement, although it involves fostering non-traditional classroom experiences. PBL asks students to complete projects in English rather than studying the English language, while active learning requires both students and educators to move away from traditional learning behaviors. The development and preparation of a PBL and active learning curriculum present many challenges. In this session, the presenter will offer a working definition of PBL and active learning, model a PBL course, and discuss how to address and balance practical issues such as classroom and time management, grading, evaluation, syllabus design, and institutional goals. He will also share techniques and approaches that he has discovered to be effective in the classroom. Participants will acquire insights into the challenges associated with implementing a Project-Based Learning (PBL) curriculum, along with potential solutions.
Bio
Dr. Peter Lutes is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Agriculture at Kagawa University. He earned his Doctorate in Communication, where his research focused on how information flows through informal human communication networks. He also holds a master’s degree in Applied Linguistics in Language Program Management. His academic journey has taken him across the Asia, fostering cross-cultural perspectives that deeply influence his approach to language education. He is an experienced educator, teacher trainer and program manager in the field of language education and applied communication. With a career spanning over three decades, he has had a wide variety of teaching and training experiences…including in English conversation schools, cram schools, corporate training and tertiary education. He has conducted teacher training and workshops throughout Asia. He is active in teaching, with a strong focus on Project Based Learning (PBL). He has long been a proponent of outcome based language education and has developed a project-based syllabus for the Faculty of Agriculture’s new International Scientific Communication (ISC) Program, a first at national universities. Research Interests Developmental communication, language program development, teacher training, curriculum development, English for Specific Purposes (English for business, science, engineering), Artificial Intelligence (AI).
