Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Proceedings of 2nd MEC TESOL Conference 2020 Pp.184-196
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/MEC2.13
The Role of Problem Based Learning in Engaging and Empowering Omani
EAP Learners: An Exploratory Study
Moin Amena
Department of Humanities, Centre for Preparatory Studies
Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
Email: amena@squ.edu.om
Abstract:
Problem Based Learning (PBL) is used in various fields of study. However, there is a dearth of use of PBL and its relevance in English Language Teaching (ELT). Thus, this exploratory study focusses on the use, relevance and implementation of PBL in ELT. It describes how PBL empowers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) learners by engaging them in real-world issues. The insights gained from self- classroom observations of the teacher-researcher were integrated with insights obtained through extensive literature review. This study was done over eight semesters with around 300 students in each semester. The study showed that in English for Business 1(an EAP course), PBL fosters self-directed learning as the students make choices and take decisions about current economic problems in accomplishing the various milestones of the process throughout the semester. It also showed that EAP learners can take charge of their learning and make their connections with authentic business material. The study further showed that the use of PBL approach in English for Business 1 course helped learners reflect on the way they had learnt, improved their research skills, gave the confidence to do teamwork, helped them identify relevant research tools and inculcated self-management and time management skills in them. The study, thus, showed that the use of PBL encourages active learning and makes EAP learners become responsible for their learning as they indulge in reflective critical thinking about what is being learned, which in turn makes them life-long learners. The study makes several recommendations for an effective PBL class, including allowing students to choose their groups, providing feedback at the right time, encouraging the use of reflective journals, etc.
Keywords: Active learning, collaborative decision making, life-long learners, problem-based learning, reflective critical thinking, self-directed learning
Cite as: Amena, M. (2020). The Role of Problem Based Learning in Engaging and Empowering Omani EAP Learners: An Exploratory Study. Arab World English Journal(AWEJ). Proceedings of 2nd MEC TESOLConference 2020. 184-196.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/MEC2.13
References
Adendorff, H. (2006). E-learning @ SU: undermining or promoting student-centred teaching and learning? Teaching matters @ SU. Centre for Teaching and learning Stellenbosch University, 1(1).
Azman, N., & Shin, L. (2012). Problem-based learning in English for a second language classroom: Students perspectives. The International Journal of Learning, 18(6), 109–126.
Bailin, S. Case, R., Coombs, J.R. and Daniels, L.B. (1999) Conceptualising critical thinking. J. of Curriculum Studies, 31(3), 285-302.
Barnes, K, Marateo, R & Ferris, S. (2007). ‘Teaching and learning with the net generation’, Journal of OnlineEducation, vol.3, no.4, viewed 21 July 2008, <http://www.innovateonline.info/index.php?view=article&id=382>.
Barrell. (2007). Problem-Based Learning: An Inquiry Approach. California, US. Corwin Press.
Barrows, H. S., and Tamblyn, R. (1980). Problem-Based Learning: An Approach to Boud, D., and Feletti, G. (1991). The Challenge of Problem Based Learning, St. Martin’s Press, New York.Medical Education, Springer, New York.
Barrows, H.S. (2002). Is it truly possible to have such a thing as dPBL?, Distance Education, 23(1), 119-122.
Biggs, J. (2003). Teaching for quality learning at university, 2nd edn, SRHE & Open University Press, Buckingham
Boud, D. and Feletti, G. (1997). The Challenge of Problem-Based Learning. London: Kogan Page.
Brown, M. (2005). ‘Learning spaces’, chapter 12 in DG Oblinger & JL Oblinger, Educating the net generation, viewed 21 May 2008, <http://www.educause.edu/educatingthenetgen>.
Chagas, I., Faria, C., Mourato, D., Pereira, G., & Santos, A. (2012). Problem-based Learning in an Online Course of Health Education. Retrieved 25 April 2014 from: http://www.ie.ul.pt
Cindy, E., & Hmelo, S. (2004). Problem-Based Learning: What and How Do Students Learn?. Educational Psychology Review, 16(3), 237-240
Comprehensive Curriculum Document, (2019). Centre For Preparatory Studies, SQU, Oman
Donnison, S.( 2007). ‘Unpacking the millenniums: A cautionary tale for teacher education’, Australian Journal of Teacher Education, vol.32, no.3.
Douglass, C., & Morris, S. R. (2014). Student perspectives on self-directed learning. Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 14(1), 13-25.
Engelbrecht, P. (2001). Research report. A problem-based learning approach to the training of educational psychologists: an exploratory study. University of Stellenbosch: Department of Educational Psychology and Specialised Education.
Ennis, R. H., Millman, J. and Tomko, T.N. (2005). The Cornell Critical Thinking Tests, Level X and Z, (5th ed. revised), Pacific Grove, California: Midwest Publications.
Eubanks, S.( 2006). Millennials – themes in current literature, viewed 20 May 2008, <http://eubie/themes/pdf>.
Evensen, D. H., and Hmelo, C. E. (eds.). (2000). Problem-Based Learning: A Research Perspective on Learning Interactions, Erlbaum, Mahwah, NJ, pp. 109-135.
Facione, P.A. (1990). Critical thinking: A statement of expert consensus for purposes of educational assessment and instruction – The Delphi Report. Berkeley, CA: California Academic Press.
Facione, P.A. (2006). Critical thinking: what it is and why it counts, Insight Assessment, California, 1-22, United States: California Academic Press
Ferrari, M., and Mahalingham, R. (1998). Personal cognitive development and its implications for teaching and learning. Educ. Psychol. 33: 35–44.
Finn, P (2011). Critical Thinking: Knowledge and Skills for Evidence-Based Practice . Language, Speech and Hearing Services in Schools. 42, 69–72.
Freiberg, H. J. (Ed.). (1999). Beyond behaviourism: Changing the classroom management paradigm. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
Goodnough, K. (2006). Enhancing pedagogical content knowledge through self- study: An exploration of problem-based learning. Teaching in Higher Education, 11, 301-318.
Graaff, E. de and Kolmos, A. (2003). Characteristics of problem-based learning, International Journal of Engineering Education, 5(19), 657-662.
Grady, G.O. and Alwis, WAM (2002). One day one problem: PBL at the Republic Polytechnic, Proceeding of 4th Asia Pacific Conf. in PBL, Hatyai: Prince of Songkla University, 1-8.
Hayati, M. A., (2005). Problem-based learning in language instruction: A constructivist method.
Hmelo-Silver, C. E. (2004). Problem-based learning: What and how do students learn? Educational Psycho. Rev., 16, (235–266).
Hung, W. (2013). Problem-Based Learning: A Learning Environment for Enhancing Learning Transfer. New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education, 137, 31
Jianzeng, L. Yanbao, L., Yi, C. and Wenxian, W. (1997). Evaluating creative thinking of students and creativity development at Southeast University, China, Proceeding of 1997 frontiers in Education conference, American Society of Engineering
Kgaphola, M.R., ( 1999). Reconstructing higher education in South Africa: a case for development-oriented curriculum structure. Pretoria: Foundation for Research.
Klegeris, A., & Hurren, H. (2011). Impact of problem-based learning in a large classroom setting: Student perception and problem- solving skills. Advances in Physiological Education 35(4), 408-415.
Leong, P.N. (2009). The power of problem-based learning (PBL) in the EFL classroom. Polyglossia, 16.
Leontiev, A. N. (1978). Activity, Consciousness, and Personality (M. J. Hall, Trans.), Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ.
Lin, L. F. (2017b). Integrating the Problem-based Learning Approach into a Web-based English Reading Course. Journal of Educational Computing Research. Advance online publication. doi 10.1177/0735633117705960
Masek, A., Yamin, S., & Ridzuan, A. (2011). The effect of problem-based learning on students’ intrinsic motivation in polytechnic’s electrical engineering course. IEEE Colloquium on Humanities, Science and Engineering Research (CHUSER), 776-779.
McCrindle, M.( 2006). ‘New generations at work: Attracting, recruiting, retaining and training generation Y’, McCrindle Research, August 2008, <http://www.mccrindle.com.au>.
Moesby, E. (2002). The Process Towards Implementing Problem-Based Learning. Reflections on PBL. A Republic Polytechnic Publication. Newsletter issue No.1. Republic Polytechnic, Singapore.
Murray, J., & Summerlee, A. (2007). The impact of problem-based learning in an interdisciplinary first-year program on student learning behaviour. Canadian Journal of Higher Education, 37(3), 87-107.
Norman, G.R., & Schmidt, H.G. (1992). The psychological basis of problem-based learning: A review of the evidence. Academic Medicine, 67, 557–65.
Paul, R. and Elder, L. (2003). The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking: Concepts and Tools, (4th Ed.), California: The Foundation for Critical Thinking.
Peyton, J. K., More, S. K., & Young, S. (2010). Evidence-based, Student choice instructional practices. Center for Applied Linguistic. 20-25. Retrieved from http://cal.org/caelanetwork
Prosser, M., & Sze, D. (2014). Problem-based learning: Student learning experiences and outcomes. Clinical Linguistics & Phonetics, 28(1-2), 131-142.
Radovan, M., & Makovec, D. (2015). Relations between students’ motivation and perceptions of the learning environment. CEPS Journal, 5(2), 115-138.
Savery, J. R., & Duffey, T. M. (2001). Problem-based learning: An instructional model and its constructivist framework (CRLT Technical Report No. 16-0). Bloomington, In: Indiana University Center for Research on Learning and Technology.
Savery, J.R. (2006). Overview of problem-based learning: definition and distinctions, The Interdisciplinary J. of Problem Based Learning, 1(1), 9-20
Savin-Baden, M. (2003) Facilitating Problem-based Learning in Higher Education: Illuminating Perspectives. Buckingham: SRHE/Open University Press.
Sendaq, S. and Odabas, H.F. (2009). Effect of problem-based learning course on content knowledge acquisition and critical thinking skills, Comp. and Edu., 53 (1), 132-141
Skiba, D & Barton, A.( 2006). ‘Adapting your teaching to accommodate the net generation of learners’, Online Journal of Issues in Nursing 11, (.2).
Spendlove, D. (2008). Creativity in education: a review, Design and Tech. Edu.: An International Journal, 10(2), 9-18.
Sternberg, R. J. (2008). Interdisciplinary problem-based learning: An alternative to traditional majors and minors. Liberal Education, 94(1), 12–17.
Sungur, S., Tekkaya, C. & Geban, O. (2006) Improving achievement through problem-based learning, Journal of Biological Education, 40:4, 155-160, DOI: 10.1080/00219266.2006.9656037
Tan, O. S.(2004). Students’ experiences in problem-based learning: three blind mice episode or educational innovation? Innovation in Education and Teaching International, 41(2):169-185. doi: 10.1080/1470329042000208693
Torp, L., & Sage, S. (1998). Problems as Possibilities: Problem Based Learning for K-12 Education. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
Treffinger, D.J., Isaksen, S.G, Dorval, B.K. (2006). Creative problem solving: An introduction, Waco, TX: Prufrock Press.
Wadani, F., & Khan, A.R. (2014). Problem-based learning in ophthalmology: A brief review. Oman Journal of Ophthalmology, 7(1).
Watson, George. (2001). Problem-based learning. Speaking of Teaching, 11(1), 1-7.
Wee, KNL (2004). Jump Start Authentic Problem Based Learning, Singapore: Prentice-Hall, Pearson Education South Asia Pte. Ltd.
White, H. B. (1996). Dan tries problem-based learning: A case study. In L. Richlin (Ed.), To Improve the Academy, 15, 75-91.
Wijnen, M., Loyens, S.M.M., Wijnia, L. et al. (2018). Is problem-based learning associated with students’ motivation? A quantitative and qualitative study. Learning Environ Res 21, 173–193 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10984-017-9246-9
Wilkerson, LuAnn (1996). Bridging Problem-based Learning to higher education: Theory and Practice: New
Wiznia D., Korom R., Marzuk P., Safdieh, J., & Grafstein, B. (2012). PBL 2.0: enhancing problem-based learning through increased student participation. Med Educ Online, 17, 17375. Retrieved 25 April 2014 from http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/meo.v17i0.17375
Woods, D. (2000) Helping your Students Gain the Most from PBL. In: Tan Oon Seng et al., Problem-Based Learning: Educational Innovation Across Disciplines. Singapore: Temasek Centre for Problem-Based Learning.