DESIGNING A PROJECT-BASED E-LEARNING COURSE FOR ENHANCING ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING, PARTICIPATION, AND PEER COLLABORATION AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS
E. Choustoulakis1, C. Garas2, F. Paraskeva1
This research investigates the design, implementation, and evaluation of an e-learning course, based on the Project-Based Learning (PBL) method for teaching English to 6th-grade primary school pupils. The primary objectives of the study are to enhance student participation, promote peer collaboration, and foster intercultural understanding through a digital learning environment. The course integrates group projects that encourage active engagement and creative thinking, supported by digital tools to facilitate collaboration, interaction, and information gathering. The study addresses five key research questions exploring the impact of PBL e-learning on students' language skills, confidence in using English, teamwork abilities, and creative problem-solving. Additionally, it examines how this method influences pupils’ intercultural awareness. The underlying hypothesis suggests that the adoption of PBL within an e-learning framework can significantly improve language proficiency, promote positive attitudes toward collaboration, and deepen cross-cultural understanding. The methodology involved quantitative approaches, including pre- and post-tests, and surveys. Statistical analysis of the data revealed that students participating in the PBL e-learning course demonstrated significant improvements in their English language skills and exhibited greater confidence in using the language in both written and oral forms, while collaborative activities fostered stronger teamwork skills. Challenges encountered during implementation included initial unfamiliarity with the digital tools and varying levels of technological proficiency among students, which required additional scaffolding. However, these barriers diminished over time as students adapted to the digital learning environment, underscoring the importance of adequate training and ongoing technical support in the success of such initiatives. The findings affirm that PBL-based e-learning can serve as an effective pedagogical strategy for language instruction in primary education, offering benefits beyond traditional methods. By combining project-driven activities with digital collaboration tools, the approach not only supports academic skill development but also cultivates essential 21st-century competencies such as teamwork, critical thinking, and global citizenship. This study underscores the transformative potential of integrating PBL within digital learning ecosystems to enrich the educational experience, particularly in language learning contexts. It provides actionable insights for educators, curriculum developers, and policymakers aiming to leverage innovative pedagogical models to enhance student outcomes in diverse educational settings.
Keywords: Project-Based Learning, e-learning, English Language Teaching, Peer Collaboration, e-course.