The article “Maximizing the Benefits of Project work in Foreign Language Classrooms” by Alan and Stoller beautifully states that successful PBL incorporates teachers guidance and feedback on the one hand, and students autonomy and engagement on the other hand. In short we can say that a successful PBL ensures focuses on real-world subject matter that can sustain the interest of students, requires student collaboration and, at the same time, some degree of student autonomy and independence, can accommodate a purposeful and explicit focus on form and other aspects of language which is process and product oriented, with an emphasis on integrated skills and end-of project reflection at the end. The steps are also important to implement such PBL in an effective way and it can start with the question/topic that is very much real and interesting to the students to engage and motivate them following designing, time schedule, monitoring, assessing and finally evaluating. Obviously the teacher is an active and careful guide who depends on their students more and provides constructive and effective feedback time to time when needed. On the other hand, it is actually a product by the students at the end of the day which incorporates their own ideas and concerns. The proper balance of teacher’s guidance and student’s autonomy can ensure the endeavor of an effective and successful PBL. Hope to learn more from you all.
