Abstract
This study aims to explore the integration of Project-based Learning (PjBL) in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms to promote self-oriented and collaborative skills while aligning with the principles of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). This study employed a phenomenological approach, focusing on the experiences of students who participated in a PjBL. The participants included four EFL students from a state university in Indonesia who experienced the PjBL in promoting ESD during their learning process. The data collection method included semi-structured interviews, which were analysed using thematic analysis to identify key skills and their relevance to ESD. The findings indicate that PjBL effectively promotes self-oriented skills including self-regulation, reflective thinking, adaptability, and digital literacy, thereby developing collaborative skills including communication, interpersonal problem-solving, and responsibility. This study suggests that PjBL be considered as an alternative effective pedagogical approach for integrating ESD into EFL instruction through meaningful, contextually grounded learning activities in higher education.
References
Aghayani, B. & Hajmohammadi, E. (2019). Project-based learning: Promoting EFL learners' writing skills. A Journal on Language and Language Teaching, 22(1), 78-85. Retrieved from https://e-journal.usd.ac.id/index.php/LLT/article/view/1727/1436
Aisyah, S. & Novita, D. (2025). Teachers’ perception of the implementation of project-based learning in early childhood education in Indonesia. Cogent Education, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2025.2458663
Akpan, V. I., Igwe, U. A., Mpamah, I. B. I., & Okoro, C. O. (2020). Social constructivism: Implications on teaching and learning. British Journal of Education, 8(8), 49-56.
Al-Busaidi, A. & Al-Seyabi, F. (2021). Project-based learning as a tool for student teachers’ professional development: A study in an Omani EFL teacher education program. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 20(4), 116-136. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.20.4.7
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
Amin, M. A., & Greenwood, J. (2018). The UN sustainable development goals and teacher development for effective English teaching in Bangladesh: A gap that needs bridging. Journal of Teacher Education for Sustainability, 20(2), 118-138. https://doi.org/10.2478/jtes-2018-0019
Araneo, P. (2024). Exploring education for sustainable development (ESD) course content in higher education: A multiple case study including what students say they like. Environmental Education Research, 30(4), 631-660. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2023.2280438
Arbeiter, J., & Bučar, M. (2021). Transformative education: Bridging education for change. Bridge 47.
Arslan, S., & Curle. (2021). Sustainable development goals in the English language high school curriculum in Turkey. European Journal of Education, 56(4), 681-695. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejed.12473
Ary, D., Jacobs, L. C., Irvine, C. K. S., & Walker, D. (2018). Introduction to research in education (10th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Bekteshi, E., & Xhaferi, B. (2020). Learning about sustainable development goals through English language teaching. Research in Social Sciences and Technology, 5(3), 78-94. https://doi.org/10.46303/ressat.05.03.4
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
Caputo, F., Ligorio, L., & Pizzi, S. (2021). The contribution of higher education institutions to the SDGs - an evaluation of sustainability reporting practices. Administrative Sciences, 11(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci11030097
Chen, C. & Yang, Y. (2019). Revisiting the effects of project-based learning on students’ academic achievement: A meta-analysis investigating moderators. Educational Research Review, 26, 71-81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2018.11.001
Chimwayange, C. (2024). Promoting student engagement using project based learning as service-based skills development. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 35, 1429-1446. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10798-024-09947-w
Creswell, J. W. (2012). Educational research: Planning, conducting and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research (4th ed.). Pearson.
Dewey, J. (1897). My pedagogic creed. The School Journal, 54, 77-80.
Dias-Oliveira, E., Pasion, R., Cunha, R. V., & Coelho, S. L. (2024). The development of critical thinking, team working, and communication skills in a business school-A project-based learning approach. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2024.101680
Fischer, D., King, J., Rieckmann, M., Barth, M., Bussing, A., Hemmer, I., & Lindau-Bank, D. (2022). Teacher education for sustainable development: A review of an emerging research field. Journal of Teacher Education, 73(5), 509-524. https://doi.org/10.1177/00224871221105784
Fortune, T., Borkovic, S., Bhopti, A., Somoza, R., Nhan, H.C., Rangwala, S. (2018). Transformative learning through international project-based learning in the global south: Applying a students-as-partners lens to a “high-impact” capstone. Journal of Studies in International Education, 23(1), 49-65. https://doi.org/10.1177/1028315318814571
González-Salamanca, J. C., Agudelo, O. L., & Salinas, J. (2020). Key competences, education for sustainable development and strategies for the development of 21st century skills. A systematic literature review. Sustainability, 12(24). https://doi.org/10.3390/su122410366
Gras-Velázquez, A. (2020). Project-based learning in second language education: Building communities of practice in higher education. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429457432
Guo, P., Saab, N., Post, L. S., & Admiraal W. (2020). A review of project-based learning in higher education: Student outcomes and measures. International Journal of Educational Research, 102, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2020.101586
Hays, J., & Reinders, H. (2020). Sustainable learning and education: A curriculum for the future. International Review of Education, 66, 29-52. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11159-020-09820-7
Holdo, M. (2023). Critical reflection: John Dewey’s relational view of transformative learning. Journal of Transformative Education, 21(1), 9-25. https://doi.org/10.1177/15413446221086727
Kemaloglu-Er, E., & Sahin, M. T. (2022). Project-based learning in English language teaching at a rural school: A case study from Turkey. Novitas-ROYAL (Research on Youth and Language), 16(1), 34-55.
Mitchell, J. & Tilley, E. (2024). The role of project based learning at the core of curriculum development. Journal of Problem Based Learning in Higher Education, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.54337/ojs.jpblhe.v12i1.9105
Nanni, A. & Pusey, K. (2020). Leveraging students’ digital literacy through project-based learning. The Asian EFL Journal, 24(1), 141-164.
Nyimbili, F., & Nyimbili, L. (2024). Types of purposive sampling techniques with their examples and application in qualitative research studies. British Journal of Multidisciplinary and Advanced Studies, 5(1), 90-99. https://doi.org/10.37745/bjmas.2022.0419
Öhman, J., & Sund, L. (2021). A didactic model of sustainability commitment. Sustainability, 13(6). https://doi.org/10.3390/su13063083
Saenz, B. F., Florez, K., Gomez, T., Acevedo, M. R., & Suarez, S. T. (2018). Implementing a community-based project in an EFL rural classroom. Colombian Applied Linguistics Journal, 20(2), 274-289. https://doi.org./10.14483/22487085.13735
Shi, C., Kassim, A., Radzuan, N. R. M. (2024). Improving EFL learners’ English public speaking performance through project-based learning strategy at tertiary level. Language Teaching Research Quarterly, 42, 126-144, https://doi.org/10.32038/ltrq.2024.42.08
Shi, J., Sitthiworachart, J. & Hong, J-C. (2024). Supporting project‑based learning for students’ oral English skill and engagement with immersive virtual reality. Education and Information Technologies, 29, 14127-14150. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-023-12433-w
Sun, X. & Zhu, P. (2023). Implementing project-based language teaching to develop EFL high school students’ key competences. Sustainability, 15(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021658
Suwannaphima, S., & Vibulphol, J. (2023). Fostering learner autonomy of Thai lower secondary school students in project-based English instruction. LEARN Journal: Language Education and Acquisition Research Network, 16(2), 259-272.
Uggla, Y. & Soneryd, L. (2022). Possibilities and challenges in education for sustainable development: the case of higher education. Journal of Education for Sustainable Development, 17(1), 63-77. https://doi.org/10.1177/09734082231183345
UNESCO (2020). Education for sustainable development: A roadmap. UNESCO. https://doi.org/10.54675/YFRE1448
Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press.
Wahbeh, D. G., Najjar, E. A., Sartawi, A. F., Abuzant, M., & Daher, W. (2021). The role of project-based language learning in developing students’ life skills. Sustainability, 13(12). https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126518
Wróblewska, D., & Okraszewska, R. (2020). Project-based learning as a method for interdisciplinary adaptation to climate change – Reda Valley case study. Sustainability, 12(11). https://doi.org/10.3390/su12114360
Wu, X. (2024). Unveiling the dynamics of self-regulated learning in project-based learning environments. Heliyon, 10(5). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27335
Yu, B., Guo, W. Y., & Fu, H. (2024). Sustainability in English language teaching: Strategies for empowering students to achieve the sustainable development goals. Sustainability, 16(8). https://doi.org/10.3390/su16083325
Zimmerman, B. J. (1989). A social cognitive view of self-regulated academic learning. Journal of Educational Psychology, 81, 329-339. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0663.81.3.329

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ridho Praja Dinata, Utami Widiati, Efa Silfia, Mutia Hasymi, Mala Rovikasari, Trishna Nanda Bariati