English for Specific Purposes
Wrld

Enhancing Language and Communication Skills through

Project-Based Learning: A Study in a Workplace Communication Classroom

FARIDAH MUSA, ROZMEL ABDUL LATIFF,

NORLAILA MUFTI, MARYAM MOHAMED AMIN

faridahm@ukm.my

Abstract

Currently most employers prefer to hire Malaysian graduates who have the necessary academic qualification and employability skills which are important in the present job environment. To meet the expectations of employers and future employers, Malaysian graduates are expected to have linguistic capabilities, information and communication technology (ICT) skills, interpersonal skills, management skills, thinking skills, and knowledge (Pandian & Aniswal, 2005). This study aims to examine to what extent project-based learning (PjBL) has succeeded in developing students’ language and communication skills while undergoing Workplace Communication course.  Secondly, this will help researchers to identify the language and communication problems students faced in carrying out the assigned project. A set of questionnaire was designed and administered to determine the language and communication skills that students employ while engaging themselves in PjBL. In assisting students to acquire the employability skills, it is hoped this study will help course designers to identify the above mentioned problems and suggest possible solutions towards enhancing students’ language and communication skills through PjBL .

Keyword: project-based learning (PjBL), employability skills, linguistics skills and communication   skills.

Full text (PDF)