Implementing Project-Based Learning (PjBL) in Improving EFL Students’ Collaborative Writing in Composing Analytical Exposition Texts: A Classroom Action Research
Authors
-
Herawati Herawati
Universitas Tanjungpura
-
Dwi Riyanti
Universitas Tanjungpura
-
Dewi Novita
Universitas Tanjungpura
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36312/jolls.v6i2.4522Keywords:
Analytical exposition texts, Classroom action, Collaborative writing, Project-based learningAbstract
Collaboration is important skills in English education and it is essential for educators to develop students' potential. This study aims to improve students' collaboration through Project-based Learning (PJBL) on Analytical Exposition Text. This research was conducted at SMA Muhammadiyah 1 Pontianak from September to October 2025, involving 30 students of class XI and using a class action research method with a qualitative approach. Data were collected through observation checklists, field notes, and interview. In Cycle 1, most groups demonstrated improvement in understanding; however, contribution and regulation still required frequent teacher intervention. Some groups achieved success by fulfilling at least two of the three aspects, indicating that collaboration was emerging but not yet consistent. In Cycle 2, significant improvement was observed across all groups. Students showed clearer shared understanding of the task, more balanced contribution among group members, and better self-regulation with minimal teacher support. All groups successfully achieved the three aspects of collaboration, indicating that Project Based Learning effectively fostered collaborative skills in writing analytical exposition texts. The findings suggest that Project Based Learning provides meaningful opportunities for students to engage in collaborative writing processes and supports the development of essential collaboration skills in EFL classrooms. Therefore, PjBL can be considered an effective instructional approach to improve students’ collaboration in writing analytical exposition texts.
Downloads
References
Abidin, Y. (2007). Desain sistem pembelajaran dalam konteks kurikulum 2013. Refika Aditama.
Aifah, D. N., & Astriani, D. (2024). Project based learning model (PjBL) to improve collaboration skills and student cognitive learning results. PENSA E-Jurnal: Pendidikan Sains, 12(1), 20–25. https://doi.org/10.26740/pensa.v12i1.61138
Afrilyasanti, R. (2021). Bahasa Inggris tingkat lanjut. Kementerian Pendidikan, Riset, dan Teknologi.
Almulla, M. A. (2020). The effectiveness of the project-based learning (PBL) approach as a way to engage students in learning. SAGE Open, 10(3). https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244020938702
Ary, D., Jacobs, L. C., Sorensen, C., & Razavieh, A. (2010). Introduction to research in education. Wadsworth.
Asfihana, R., Salija, K., Iskandar, I., & Garim, I. (2022). Students’ English learning experiences on virtual project-based learning instruction. International Journal of Language Education, 6(2), 196–209. https://doi.org/10.26858/ijole.v6i2.20506
Bailey, S. (2011). Academic writing: A handbook for international students (3rd ed.). Routledge.
Bell, S. (2010). Project-based learning for the 21st century: Skills for the future. The Clearing House, 83(2), 39–43.
Belland, B. R. (2020). Project-based learning in the STEM classroom: Educational practice and research. In D. B. Krajcik & R. B. Edelson (Eds.), Learning and teaching in the 21st century (pp. 23–50). Routledge.
Brown, H. D. (2004). Language assessment: Principles and classroom practices. Longman.
Burns, A. (2010). Doing action research in English language teaching: A guide for practitioners (2nd ed.). Routledge.
Creswell, J. W. (2012). Educational research: Planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research. Pearson Education.
Dewey, J. (1938). Experience and education. Macmillan.
Dillenbourg, P. (1999). What do you mean by collaborative learning? In P. Dillenbourg (Ed.), Collaborative learning: Cognitive and computational approaches (pp. 1–19). Elsevier.
Educational Technology Division. (2006). Project-based learning handbook: Educating the millennial learner. Ministry of Education.
Farikah, N. (2015). Analysis of theme of the analytical exposition texts written by third semester students of English Department of Tidar University. International Journal of English and Education, 4(3), 555–561.
Ferris, D. (2018). Writing in a second language. In J. M. Newton, D. R. Ferris, & C. C. M. Goh (Eds.), Teaching English to second language learners in academic contexts: Reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Routledge.
Garim, I., Latief, N., Amaliah, S., & Garing, J. (2023). Writing with cultural insight: Elevating analytical exposition through local culture and project based learning. International Journal of Language Education, 7(4), 711–728. https://doi.org/10.26858/ijole.v7i4.58368
Gunawan, G., Sahidu, H., Harjono, A., & Suranti, N. M. Y. (2017). The effect of using project-based learning with virtual media assistance on student’s creativity in physics. Cakrawala Pendidikan, 36(2).
Guntur, A. (2020). Project-based learning: Peran guru dalam membimbing pembelajaran di kelas [Skripsi, Universitas Islam Negeri Jakarta]. UIN Jakarta Repository. https://repository.uinjkt.ac.id/dspace/bitstream/123456789/78998/1/11170140000057Skripsi%20Tita%20Alfiyah.pdf
Harmer, J. (2007). How to teach writing. Pearson Education.
Hyland, K. (2023). Teaching and researching writing (4th ed.). Routledge.
Johnson, D. W., & Johnson, R. T. (2009). An educational psychology success story: Social interdependence theory and cooperative learning. Educational Researcher.
Karyawati, A., & Ashadi, A. (2018). Innovation in the classroom: Engaging English as a foreign learning student using project-based learning. LingTera, 5(1), 61–67. https://doi.org/10.21831/lt.v5i1.17067
Kemmis, S., & McTaggart, R. (1994). The action research planner (3rd ed.). Deakin University Press.
Krauss, J., & Boss, S. (2013). Thinking through project-based learning: Guiding deeper inquiry. Corwin.
Kultsum, U., Defianty, M., & Nadrah, N. (2022). The application of project based learning (PBL) in teaching English for specific purposes (ESP) in higher education in Indonesia. TARBIYA: Journal of Education in Muslim Society, 8(2), 155–166. https://doi.org/10.15408/tjems.v8i2.25043
Kumar, R. (2020). English language skills and writing proficiency. Oxford University Press.
Lodico, M. G., Spaulding, D. T., & Voegtle, K. H. (2011). Methods in educational research: From theory to practice (2nd ed.). Jossey-Bass.
Manchón, R. M., & Matsuda, P. K. (2016). Handbook of second and foreign language writing. Walter de Gruyter.
Meyers, A. (2004). Gateways to academic writing. Pearson Education.
Miles, M. B., & Huberman, A. M. (1994). Qualitative data analysis: An expanded sourcebook (2nd ed.). Sage Publications.
Moss, D., & Van Duzer, C. (1998). Project-based learning for adult English language learners. National Clearinghouse for ESL Literacy Education.
Nhan, H., & Nhan, T. A. (2019). Different grouping strategies for cooperative learning in English majored seniors and juniors at Can Tho University, Vietnam. Education Sciences, 9(1), Article 59. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci9010059
Noor Susianti, E. (2023). Improving students’ ability to develop ideas in writing analytical exposition text through project based learning: Classroom action research at SMA Kesatrian 2 Semarang. Proceedings of UNNES TEFLIN National Conference, 5, Article 2613. https://proceeding.unnes.ac.id/utnc/article/view/2613
Novita, D. (2012). Student’s perspectives on thesis writing in English academic culture. Jurnal Visi Ilmu Pendidikan, 3(2).
Nunan, D., & Choi, Y. (2023). Language and communication: Functions of written and spoken language. Publisher.
Nur Khasanah, L., Maksum, M. N. R., & Binti Zahid, N. N. (2025). The implementation of project-based learning to enhance collaborative skills in senior high school. Suhuf: International Journal of Islamic Studies, 37(1). https://doi.org/10.23917/suhuf.v37i1.10189
Piaget, J. (1970). Science of education and the psychology of the child. Orion Press.
Praba̕, L. T., Artini, L. P., & Ramendra, D. P. (2018). Project based learning and writing skill in EFL: Are they related? SHS Web of Conferences, 42, Article 00059. https://doi.org/10.1051/shsconf/20184200059
Putri, R. B., Bunau, E., Wardah, W., Susilawati, E., & Husin, S. (2025). Brainstorming of recognizes stages in a group to encourage the students’ motivation in speaking English. Journal of Scientific Research, Education, and Technology, 4(3), 1386–1392.
Qing-he, S. (2016). Improve student’s participation to establish an effective classroom. US-China Education Review A, 6(6), 371–379.
Rahman, N. A. A., Soon, G. Y., & Chao, C. (2025). Investigating the efficacy of project-based learning in enhancing English writing skills: A comprehensive model. Pakistan Journal of Life and Social Sciences, 23(1), 1108–1117. https://doi.org/10.57239/PJLSS-2025-23.1.0086
Riyanti, D. (2023). The implementation of project-based learning in higher education: Students’ and lecturers’ perspectives. English Language Teaching Educational Journal, 6(3), 162–171.
Sadapotto, A., Bisse, N., Sidenrengrappang, U. M., & Cendrawasi, U. (2021). The upshot of key words technique: Descriptive writing of English learners. Edumaspul: Jurnal Pendidikan, 5(1), 266–278.
Scoular, C., Duckworth, D., Heard, J., & Ramalingam, D. (2020). Collaboration: Skill development framework. Australian Council for Educational Research. https://research.acer.edu.au/ar_misc/42
Singh, K. (2006). Classroom action research: A method for improving and modifying classroom practices. Sage Publications.
Slavin, R. E. (2014). Cooperative learning (2nd ed.). Pearson Education.
Sudadi, S., Ramli, A., Nivin-Vargas, L. R., Rahmadi, R., Kasuma, J., & Angulo-Cabanillas, L. E. (2021). Improving essay writing through project-based learning. Review of International Geographical Education Online, 11(5), 4138–4149. https://doi.org/10.48047/rigeo.11.05.296
Suhandra, I. R., Manda, M. L., Jubhari, R. R., & Sahib, H. (2021). Collaborative and individual writing strategies for EFL writing instruction: Outcomes and perceptions. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 5(6), 501–509.
Storch, N. (2013). Collaborative writing in L2 classrooms. Multilingual Matters.
Swaran, S., Kaur, A., & Singh, R. (2020). Teaching writing through process approach: Strategies for effective learning. Springer.
Tan, J. C. L., & Chapman, A. (2016). Project based learning for academically able students: Hwa Chong Institution in Singapore. Sense Publishers.
The George Lucas Educational Foundation. (2017). How does project based-learning work. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/project-based-learning-guide-implementation
Thomas, J. W. (2000). A review of research on project based learning. The Autodesk Foundation.
Urquhart, V., & McIver, M. (2005). Teaching writing in the content areas. Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning.
Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press.
Wagner, E. N. (2002). Express yourself: Writing skills for high school. LearningExpress.
Weigle, S. C. (2002). Assessing writing. Cambridge University Press.
Whitaker, A. (2009). Academic writing guide: A step-by-step guide to writing academic papers. City University of Seattle.
Widiastuti, R., & Endahati, N. (2020). The efforts to improve writing skill of secondary school students by using snake and ladder game. ELTICS.
Yule, G. (2006). The study of language (3rd ed.). Cambridge University Press.
Yuliana, Y. G. S., Wisudawaty, U., & Ikhsanudin, I. (2025). Analysis of project-based learning approach in flipped classroom. TELL-US Journal.
Zhang, R., Shi, J., & Zhang, J. (2023). Research on the quality of collaboration in project based learning based on group awareness. Sustainability, 15(15), Article 11901. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151511901
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Herawati Herawati, Dwi Riyanti, Dewi Novita
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with JOLLS agree to the following terms:
- For all articles published in JOLLS, copyright is retained by the authors. Authors permit the publisher to announce the work with conditions. When the manuscript is accepted for publication, the authors agree to implement a non-exclusive transfer of publishing rights to the journals.
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
