A call for innovation in mallorcan EFL classrooms: an innovation proposal based on project based learning

Abstract

[eng] Bridging the gap between classroom and reality has become a priority in new EFL methodologies. The communicative purpose of language is at the core of these new methodologies which aim at enhancing students‟ communicative competence to become successful communicators in a globalized world. The present study recognizes the relevance of English as a Lingua Franca and Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC) for EFL learners. It has been suggested that traditional methodologies neither focus on 21st students‟ needs nor offer meaningful learning experiences to students. The research carried out in this paper shows that Project-Based Learning has recently gained popularity in EFL classrooms as a suitable methodology to learn the target language focusing on using English as the vehicle to learn interdisciplinary content rather than pure linguistic instruction. Besides, it is a methodology that promotes the acquisition of ICC along with skills such as learners‟ autonomy, collaborative work, and critical thinking which are 21st century skills students will definitely need in future workplaces. The paper presents a teaching proposal based on the creation of a guided tour for Erasmus students. The core idea behind it is redressing the situation of tourism in Mallorca. It aims at raising awareness of the impact that mass tourism is having in the natural, social and cultural spheres in Majorca and it encourages students to create a project that will advocate for a more sustainable tourism concerned about the natural and cultural richness of the island. Students will learn to appreciate their own cultural and natural heritatge and will take action to protect it. It offers the sequencing, activities and instructions on the roles of teachers and students as well as grammar instruction and assessment for the whole project. Overall, it intends to serve as a seed to promote meaningful instruction of English as a Foreign Language.