Studies in English Language and Education
Vol. 13 No. 2 (2026)

Examining the effects of Project-Based Learning on EFL learners’ reading achievement: The role of learner self-regulation

Selamet Riadi Jaelani (Universitas Negeri Malang)
Nunung Suryati (Universitas Negeri Malang)
Yazid Basthomi (Universitas Negeri Malang)
Nurenzia Yannuar (Universitas Negeri Malang)
Dian Resty Pratiwi Ahmad (Universitas Negeri Malang)
Endah Ratnaningsih (Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 May 2026

Abstract

This study examined how Project-Based Learning (PJBL) and Problem-Based Learning (PBL) affect EFL learners’ reading, with a particular emphasis on interactions with learners’ characters (high and low). The study employed a quasi-experimental design with 64 senior high school students from two classes. The students were divided into experimental and control groups. The data was collected using a 60-item reading comprehension test. The results were analyzed statistically, including Tukey’s HSD test, to examine significance and interaction effects. PJBL relies heavily on self-motivation and discipline; the results indicated a statistically significant mean difference of -14.56 (p < 0.05) between students with low character and those with high character. This suggests that PJBL was not effective for low-character learners, especially those who struggle with self-regulation. Low-character students in PJBL scored significantly lower than high-character students in PBL, with a mean difference of -7.66 (p < 0.05). In contrast, high-character students in PJBL performed significantly better than low-character students in PBL, with a mean difference of 11.91 (p < 0.05). They also outperformed high-character students in PBL, with a mean difference of 6.91 (p < 0.05). Therefore, PJBL is more effective for high-character learners because it requires independence. However, there was no significant distinction between PJBL and PBL for low-character learners (mean = 2.66, p > 0.05), indicating that these students require additional support in all educational settings. To maximize reading outcomes in the EFL context, our findings emphasize the importance of aligning instructional strategies with learner characteristics.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

siele

Publisher

Subject

Description

Studies in English Language and Education (SiELE) is a peer-reviewed academic journal published by the Department of English Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia. The journal presents research and development in the field of teaching ...