Project-based Learning: Promoting Meaningful Language Learning for Workplace Skills

Although employers acknowledge that most graduates are knowledgeable, they are also complaining that varsities are not producing quality output for them as most graduates lack soft skills. This preliminary study was conducted to find out to what extent project based learning (PjBL) facilitates the transference and inculcation of workplace related skills. These skills are integrated in a project work assigned in Workplace Communication course. This study will help the researchers to gauge students' learning experiences while undergoing the different processes involved in the project work. A set of questionnaire was designed and administered to identify students' skills utilized in project-based learning, namely language skills, interpersonal skills, critical thinking, collaborative skills and leadership skills. Hence, this pilot study on project-based learning will assist the course designers in improving the project work instruction. It is hoped that this study will equip Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia students with the necessary 21st century workplace skills. (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of Kongres Pengajaran & Pembelajaran UKM, 2010