Abstract
This literature review research analyzes the impact of Project-Based Learning (PBL) in developing language and critical thinking abilities in young EFL learners. PBL has several methods to encourage students' participation and language use on a learner-centered basis. The study is conducted through an extensive literature review and qualitative study to describe the components and methods of PBL in elementary EFL teaching. The findings can be beneficial for teachers who want to develop students’ cognitive and linguistic skills and provide a foundation for teachers to improve participation as well as quality in an educational context.
References
Abu Bakar, N., Noordin, N., & Razali, A. B. (2019). Project-based learning in improving oral communication skills among ESL learners. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 9(1), 620–633. https://doi.org/10.6007/IJARBSS/v9-i1/5418
Andriyani, S., & Anam, S. (2022). Exploring the relationship between project-based learning and collaborative skills: EFL learners’ voices. Al-Lisan: Jurnal Bahasa (e-Journal), 7(1), 51-63. https://doi.org/10.30603/al.v7i1.2413
Bani Issa, H., & Khataibeh, A. (2021). Enhancing critical thinking skills in EFL students through project-based learning. International Journal of Language and Education, 7(4), 32–45. https://doi.org/10.17509/ijle.v7i4.2345
Blumenfeld, P. C., Soloway, E., Marx, R. W., Krajcik, J. S., Guzdial, M., & Palincsar, A. (1991). Motivating project-based learning: Sustaining the doing, supporting the learning. Educational Psychologist, 26(3-4), 369-398. https://doi.org/10.1080/00461520.1991.9653139
Ertmer, P. A., & Newby, T. J. (2013). Behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism: Comparing critical features from an instructional design perspective. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 26(2), 43-71. https://doi.org/10.1002/piq.21143
Facione, P. A. (1990). Critical thinking: A statement of expert consensus for purposes of educational assessment and instruction. The Delphi Report. American Philosophical Association.
Guslyakova, O. V., Morozova, Y. S., & Akhmetov, I. A. (2021). Project-based learning as an alternative EFL instructional method. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 12(5), 765–780. https://doi.org/10.17507/jltr.1205.08
Hamurcu, H. (2003). Effectiveness of project-based learning in young learners’ education. Educational Research Review, 8(2), 144–157.
Issa, H. B., & Khataibeh, A. (2021). Project-based learning and its role in fostering critical thinking among young EFL learners. International Journal of Language and Linguistics, 9(4), 34–49.
Kemaloglu-Er, E., & Sahin, M. (2022). The impact of project-based learning on young learners’ speaking skills in an EFL context. Journal of Education and Learning Studies, 5(3), 76–89. https://doi.org/10.31014/aior.1993.05.03.472
Krajcik, J. S., & Blumenfeld, P. C. (2006). Project-based learning: A constructivist approach to science education. Educational Psychology Review, 18(3), 241–267.
Krajcik, J. S., Czerniak, C. M., & Berger, W. (1994). Teaching science in elementary and middle school classrooms: A project-based approach. Science Education Journal, 78(4), 225–245.
Piaget, J. (1950). The psychology of intelligence. Routledge.
Puangpunsi, S. (2024). Project-based learning and young EFL learners: Enhancing critical thinking and speaking skills. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 15(1), 33–50. https://doi.org/10.17509/jltr.v15i1.1925
Ruiz Aguirre, L. (2021). Cognitive flexibility and metacognitive awareness in EFL learners: The role of project-based learning. Language Learning and Technology, 25(2), 198–214.
Sánchez-García, D., & Pavón-Vázquez, V. (2021). Enhancing EFL learners’ critical thinking and speaking skills through project-based learning. TESOL International Journal, 16(3), 92–108.
Shi, H., Kassim, H., & Mohd Radzuan, N. (2024). Integrating project-based learning into EFL classrooms: Technology, motivation, and assessment challenges. Journal of English Language Teaching, 14(2), 127–145. https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v14n2p127
Sirisrimangkorn, L. (2021). The impact of project-based learning on speaking fluency and motivation among EFL students. English Language Teaching Journal, 14(5), 55–71. https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v14n5p55
Song, Y., Razali, A. B., Sulaiman, A. Z., & Jeyaraj, B. (2024). The role of project-based learning in fostering 21st-century skills in young EFL learners. International Journal of Educational Research, 45(2), 78–96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2024.103267
Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press.
Widiyati, M., & Pangesti, C. (2022). The effectiveness of project-based learning on speaking proficiency in young EFL learners. Language Education and Research Journal, 18(1), 47–63.
Zhao, Y., & Wang, L. (2022). Professional development and project-based learning: Challenges and strategies for EFL teachers. Education Research International, 22(3), 54–70. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/4873492

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Copyright (c) 2025 Katherine Alexandra Arboleda García, Shalena Silvana Naranjo Andrade