Developing Business English Learners’ Communication Skills through Project-Based Learning Method

Abstract

Teaching English for specific purposes is a language teaching approach that targets students' needs. Its main objective is to provide learners with defined goals and language elements they need to function as professionals and communicate effectively in their fields of study, such as business, tourism, law, engineering, medicine, and aviation. This needs ESP teachers to use different teaching methods that encourage learners to practice the language in different authentic situations. Project-based learning, based on the review of the literature, is one of the student-centered learning methods that helps business English learners develop their communication skills. The main purpose of the present study is to explore business English students’ perceptions and openions about PBL in developing their communication skills. Eight business English participants conducted a project activity outside the classroom. The semi-structured interview was used to explore their perceptions and views about the impact of PBL on their communication skills. The findings indicate that PBL encourages business English learners to communicate in English. Therefore, it is recommended that ESP teachers should adopt PBL in their teaching practices to help learners communicate effectively in their field of study.