Abstract:

For about a decade, a series of undergraduate students at Tokushima University in Japan have participated in project based learning (PBL) activities designed to improve EFL and comparative culture education. Initially, students highlighted cultural similarities and differences by collecting art created by children in Japan, Canada, China and Australia and displaying that art in Japan. Expanding activities to Vietnam, Portugal and Latvia, students worked with local residents and travelers from Japan to present art and photography exhibitions, EFL learning exercises, Japanese cuisine demonstrations and music performances. Particularly impressive results occurred in Portugal and Latvia, where the PBL enhanced Tokushima City government’s foreign relationships and helped Tokushima University initiate and sustain academic agreements. Feedback suggests that the PBL helps participants develop academic skills and contribute to social development domestically and internationally. Project participants report improved language performance, better understanding of Japanese culture and foreign culture and increased self confidence.

Keywords:

Project Based Learning (PBL), EFL, Comparative Culture.