Effect of Pot-Luck, Innovative Technique of Project-Based Learning, On Iranian EFL Learners’ Autonomy in Learning

Abstract

The current study aims at investigating the effect of Pot-Luck, the creative idea of the researcher, as an innovative technique of Project-Based Learning, on Iranian EFL learners’ autonomy in learning. The participants consisted of 52 upper-intermediate Iranian EFL learners in 2 groups of Experimental and Control. In order to collect data, three different instrumentations were utilized, including Autonomy questionnaire, Pot-luck survey, and Pot log (Pot-luck Weblog). The researchers used a quasi-experimental design with a pretest- treatment-posttest sequence. Having compared the mean scores and the t-test, the researcher found that there is a statistically significant difference between the pretest and posttest of the Experimental group. The qualitative data from the Pot-luck survey and Pot log also revealed that students enjoyed the course and developed a positive attitude towards Pot-luck and learning English in general by developing autonomous during the course. Therefore, Pot-Luck, as an innovative technique of Project-Based Learning, has a significant effect on Iranian EFL learners’ autonomy in learning; in addition, it helps students to enjoy and develop a positive attitude towards learning. As an implication of this study, Pot-Luck, the creative idea of the researcher, is introduced as an innovative technique of Project-Based Learning, which proved to be significantly effective in developing a positive attitude in learners towards learning, and improving autonomy in learning.