Journal of English Teaching and Applied Linguistics (JETAL)
Vol 7 No 2 (2026): April

Improving Student Engagement in English Language Teaching through Project-Based Learning: A Classroom Action Research in a Tertiary EFL Context

Devi Annisa Marpaung (Universitas Nurul Hasanah Kutacane, Indonesia)
Aisyah Noor Nasution (Universitas Nurul Hasanah Kutacane, Indonesia)
Nelly Masna Barus (Universitas Nurul Hasanah Kutacane, Indonesia)
Saptari Wibowo (Politeknik LP3I Medan, Indonesia)
Ely Ezir Marpaung (Universitas Islam Sumatra Utara, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
14 Apr 2026

Abstract

Student engagement remains a persistent challenge in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms, particularly in contexts dominated by teacher-centred instruction that limits active learner participation. However, limited classroom-based evidence has explicitly examined how Project-Based Learning (PBL) enhances different dimensions of engagement in tertiary EFL settings. This study investigates the implementation of PBL in improving student engagement in an English teaching classroom. Employing a qualitative classroom-based design, data were collected through classroom observations, student reflective journals, and analysis of project-based learning artifacts over one instructional cycle. The study focuses on three dimensions of engagement: behavioural, emotional, and cognitive. The findings reveal that PBL significantly enhances student engagement across all dimensions. Behaviourally, students demonstrated increased participation in collaborative tasks; emotionally, they showed higher motivation and interest; and cognitively, they engaged more deeply in problem-solving and language use. Additionally, students developed stronger communication skills and collaborative competence through authentic, project-driven activities. This study contributes to EFL pedagogy by providing empirical classroom-based evidence of PBL’s effectiveness and highlighting its role in fostering meaningful, student-centred learning environments.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jetal

Publisher

Subject

Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences

Description

Journal of English Teaching and Applied Linguistic (JETAL) is a peer-reviewed journal published in Indonesia by the Department of English Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, the University of HKBP NOMMENSEN (PSPBI FKIP UHKBPN). This journal is published twice a year: April and ...