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The impact of project-based learning on EFL learners’ learning motivation and academic performance: an empirical study in a Chinese rural school

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Listed:
  • Panpan Yang

    (Shaanxi Normal University
    Hainan Normal University)

  • Sirui Chen

    (Shaanxi Normal University)

  • Wenlan Zhang

    (Shaanxi Normal University)

  • Jiawei Chen

    (Shaanxi Normal University)

Abstract

Project-based learning (PBL) as an instructional method has been adopted across various academic disciplines, including foreign language education. While existing research has demonstrated the significant efficacy of PBL in enhancing students’ foreign language acquisition, investigations into its implementation and effectiveness within rural education settings remain notably scarce. This study adopted a mixed method design to conduct an 8-week pedagogical intervention, analyzing the effectiveness of PBL on EFL learners’ learning motivation and academic performance in a Chinese rural junior middle school. The quantitative results showed that the projected-based language learning (PBLL) enhanced EFL learners’ learning motivation, whereas its impact on academic achievement tests yielded limited effects. The qualitative data indicated that EFL learners showed greater interest in PBLL instruction. The findings suggest that PBLL can serve as an effective pedagogical approach to enhance rural EFL learners’ learning motivation, contextual writing skills, and alignment between instruction and standardized assessment.

Suggested Citation

  • Panpan Yang & Sirui Chen & Wenlan Zhang & Jiawei Chen, 2025. "The impact of project-based learning on EFL learners’ learning motivation and academic performance: an empirical study in a Chinese rural school," Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 12(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:12:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-025-05519-y
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-05519-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Van Dat Tran, 2019. "Does Cooperative Learning Increase Students’ Motivation in Learning?," International Journal of Higher Education, Sciedu Press, vol. 8(5), pages 1-12, October.
    2. Sarath Withanarachchi Samaranayake, 2016. "Oral Competency of ESL/EFL Learners in Sri Lankan Rural School Context," SAGE Open, , vol. 6(2), pages 21582440166, June.
    3. Vicki-Lynn Holmes & Yooyeun Hwang, 2016. "Exploring the effects of project-based learning in secondary mathematics education," The Journal of Educational Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 109(5), pages 449-463, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. G Nagamany A/P Govindan & Mohd Shahrudin bin Mohmud, 2025. "The Impact of Incorporating Project-Based Learning (PjBL) in Pre-University Courses on Language Skills Development," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(10), pages 5667-5681, October.

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