EFL Teachers’ Perspectives on Teaching Writing and Presenting Skills through Project-Based Learning in the Merdeka Curriculum
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33394/jollt.v13i4.16276Keywords:
Project-based learning, Merdeka Curriculum, Integrated language skills, ChallengesAbstract
Project-based learning (PjBL) has been widely applied in English language education, yet its classroom implementation often presents considerable challenges for teachers. This qualitative study investigates these challenges in teaching writing and presenting skills within the context of the Merdeka Curriculum, where integrated skills are emphasized as key learning outcomes. Four English teachers who have actively applied PjBL participated in the study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and an open-ended questionnaire, which were analyzed thematically using Braun and Clarke’s framework to enhance trustworthiness. Triangulation techniques were employed during data collection and analysis. The findings revealed several challenges, with the most critical being the limited facilities and unequal access to resources, as well as the complexities of assessing group projects. These findings underscore the importance of professional development, curriculum support, and institutional policy in enabling EFL teachers to teach writing and presentation skills through PjBL effectively. Addressing these challenges can improve the sustainability of PjBL practice and foster students’ engagement and skills development in English language learning.
References
Aksela, M., & Haatainen, O. (2019). PBL in Practice: Active Teachers' Views of Its Advantages and Challenges. Proceedings of the 5th International STEM in Education Conference: Integrated Education for the Real World, 2, 9–16. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333868087
Ban, Q. B. (2023). Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Education, Language and Art (ICELA 2022). In Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Education, Language and Art (ICELA 2022). Atlantis Press SARL. https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-004-6
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2020). One Size Fits All? What Counts as Quality Practice in (Reflexive) Thematic Analysis? Qualitative Research in Psychology, 18(3), 328–352. https://doi.org/10.1080/14780887.2020.1769238
Cahyono, B. Y., Irawati, R., Amalia, S. N., & Hidayat, L. E. (2024). Project-Based Learning in EFL Educational Settings: A Meta-Analysis Study in EFL/ESL Writing. Journal of Writing Research, 16(1), 105–127. https://doi.org/10.17239/jowr-2024.16.01.04
Chaaban, Y., & Du, X. (2020). Teachers’ Readiness for PBL 1 Teachers’ Readiness for a Statewide Change to PBL in Primary Education in Qatar Teachers’ Readiness for PBL 2 Teachers’ Readiness for a Statewide Change to PBL in Primary Education in Qatar. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.14434/ijpbl.v14i1.28591
Cintang, N., Setyowati, D. L., & Handayani, S. S. D. (2018). The Obstacles and Strategy of Project Based Learning Implementation in Elementary School. Journal of Education and Learning (EduLearn), 12(1), 7–15. https://doi.org/10.11591/edulearn.v12i1.7045
Creswell, J. W. (2009). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. In Sage (Third). Sage. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003411505-2
Creswell, J. W. (2019). Research Design Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (Fourth). Sage.
Damayanti, I. L. (2022). English for Nusantara. Pusat Perbukuan Badan Standar, Kurikulum, dan Asesmen Pendidikan Kementerian Pendidikan, Kebudayaan, Riset, dan Teknologi.
Evenddy, S. S., Gailea, N., & Syafrizal, S. (2023). Exploring the Benefits and Challenges of Project-Based Learning in Higher Education. PPSDP International Journal of Education, 2(2), 458–469. https://doi.org/10.59175/pijed.v2i2.148
Febriani, S. R., Husna, I., Yasmadi, Y., Refdianti, A., Mela, D. A., & Guettaoi, K. B. (2024). Improving Listening Skills Through Project-Based Learning and Native Speakers as Learning Sources in Mastering Vocabulary and Sentence Comprehension. Jurnal Tarbiyah, 31(1), 44–56. https://doi.org/10.30829/tar.v31i1.3153
Ferwati, W., Junaidi, A., Napitupulu, E. (2023). Systematic Review of Literature: Advantages and Challenges in Implementing the Project-Based Learning (PjBL). Cendikia: Media Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan, 14 (20), 160–166. http://iocscience.org/ejournal/index.php/Cendikia/article/view/4453
Galuh, P., & Manik, N. (2024). Teachers Encounter in Project-Based Learning Context : Challenges and Strategies. 4(2017), 278–291.
Garim, I., Latief, N., Amaliah, S., & Garing, J. (2023). Writing with Cultural Insight: Elevating Analytical Exposition through Local Culture and Project-Based Learning. International Journal of Language Education, 7(4), 711–728. https://doi.org/10.26858/ijole.v7i4.58368
Ginotite. L (2024). Achieving a Successful Workshop: Crafting a Training for Presentation Skills. In Haaga-Helia University (Vol. 15, Issue 1). Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences.
Grant, M. M. (2002). Getting a Grip on Project-Based Learning: Theory, Cases, and Recommendations. Computer Technologies Journal, 5(1), 1–17. http://www.ncsu.edu/meridian/win2002/514
Horiuchi, S., Nasser, J. S., & Chung, K. C. (2022). The Art of a Scientific Presentation: Tips from Steve Jobs. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 149(3), 533–540. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000008849
Jacob, S., & Furgerson, S. (2012). Writing Interview Protocols and Conducting Interviews: Tips for Students New to the Field of Qualitative Research. The Qualitative Report, 17(42), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2012.1718
Jaleniauskiene, E., & Venckiene, D. (2025). Project-Based Learning for Language Education in Higher Education: A Scoping Review. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning, 19(1), 1–25. https://doi.org/10.14434/ijpbl.v19i1.35846
Jiang, F. (2024). The Challenges of Project-Based Learning in Fostering Cross-Cultural Understanding. Journal of Propuision Technologyi, 45(2), 2099–2103. https://doi.org/10.52783/tjjpt.v45.i02.6203
Kemendikbudristek. (2024). Peraturan Menteri Pendidikan, Kebudayan, Riset, dan Teknologi Nomor 032/H/KR/2024
Leech, B. L. (2002). Interview methods in political science. PS - Political Science and Politics, 35(4), 663–664. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1049096502001117
Lestari, Z. W., Kurniady, K., Supian, S., & Rusmana, E. (2023). Implementing Project-Based Learning to Enhance Students’ Reading Skills in Report Text. JALL (Journal of Applied Linguistics and Literacy), 7(2), 241–255. https://doi.org/10.25134/jall.v7i2.7465
Mahapatra, S. (2024). Impact Of ChatGPT on ESL Students’ Academic Writing Skills: A Mixed Methods Intervention Study. Smart Learning Environments, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-024-00295-9
Marzuki, Widiati, U., Rusdin, D., Darwin, & Indrawati, I. (2023). The Impact of AI Writing Tools on the Content and Organization of Students’ Writing: EFL Teachers’ Perspective. Cogent Education, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2023.2236469
Meng, N., Dong, Y., Roehrs, D., & Luan, L. (2023). Tackle Implementation Challenges in Project-Based Learning: A Survey Study of PBL E-Learning Platforms. Educational Technology Research and Development, 71(3), 1179–1207. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-023-10202-7
Ngereja, B., Hussein, B., & Andersen, B. (2020). Does Project-Based Learning (PBL) Promote Student Learning? A Performance Evaluation. Education Sciences, 10(11), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci10110330
Riswandi, D. (2018). The Implementation of Project-Based Learning to Improve Students’ Speaking Skill. International Journal of Language Teaching and Education, 2 (1), 2598-2303. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Rivan, K., Jaya, A., Purnamika, I. G. A. L., Luh, N., & Adnyayanti, P. E. (2024). Challenges and Strategies in Teaching English for Young Learners Using Project-Based Learning Method. Jurnal Penelitian Mahasiswa Indonesia, 4(3), 300–312. https://www.jurnal.stkipahsingaraja.ac.id/index.php/jpmi/article/view/863
Sartika, U. D., Syafryadin, S., & Azwandi, A. (2022). English Teachers’ Perception of Implementing Project-Based Learning in Secondary Schools. ENGLISH FRANCA: Academic Journal of English Language and Education, 6(2), 477. https://doi.org/10.29240/ef.v6i2.5452
Smakman, D. (2024). Presenting in English: A Practical Guide. Routledge.
Somani, R., & Rizvi, M. (2018). Project Based Learning over Traditional Method of Language Teaching: A Quasi Experiment Design in EFL Classrooms. Literacy Information and Computer Education Journal, 9(2), 2895–2906. https://doi.org/10.20533/licej.2040.2589.2018.0381.
Song, C., & Song, Y. (2023). Enhancing Academic Writing Skills and Motivation: Assessing the Efficacy of ChatGPT in AI-Assisted Language Learning for EFL Students. Frontiers in Psychology, 14(December), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1260843
Stoller, F. L., & Myers, C. C. (2019). Project-based learning: A five-stage framework to guide language teachers. In Project-Based Learning in Second Language Acquisition (1st Edition, pp. 25-471). https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429457432
Susanti, A. Rofidah, N. Trisusana, A., Retnaningdyah, P. (2020). Improving Students’ Writing Skill through Project-Based Learning for EFL Student. International Journal of English Linguistics, Literature, and Education (IJELLE), 2 (2), 102-125.
Wardani, N. K. S., Artini, L. P., & Ramendra, D. P. (2021). Project-Based Learning in Teaching EFL Writing: An Analysis of the Effect on the 5 Dimensions of Writing. Journal of Education Research and Evaluation, 5(2), 243. https://doi.org/10.23887/jere.v5i2.31597
We, S. M. (2020). Enhancing students’ speaking skills through project-based learning. Jurnal Ilmiah Lingua Idea, 11(2), 113–126. https://doi.org/10.20884/1.jli.2020.11.2.2931
Wijaya, K. F. (2021). English Education Master Students’ Self-Regulated Learning Strategies in Academic Writing. JET (Journal of English Teaching), 7(1), 15–29. https://doi.org/10.33541/jet.v7i1.2313
Winarno. (2023). Teachers’ Challenges and Students’ Response to Project-Based Learning in English Subject. Surakarta English and Literature Journal, 6(1), 108–123. https://doi.org/10.52429/selju.v6i1.116
Yang, D., Skelcher, S., & Gao, F. (2021). An Investigation of Teacher Experiences in Learning the Project-Based Learning Approach. Journal of Education and Learning (EduLearn), 15(4), 490–504. https://doi.org/10.11591/edulearn.v15i4.20302
Yiling, J., Omar, M., & Kamaruzaman, F. M. (2025). Exploring the AI-Enhanced Project-Based Learning for English Language Acquisition: A Systematic Review of the Key Elements and Emerging Technology Trends. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 24(2), 636–652. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.24.2.31
Yong, M. F., & Saad, W. Z. (2023). Fuelling Grammar Mastery and 21st Century Skills Through Project-Based Learning. Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 31(1), 99–124. https://doi.org/10.47836/PJSSH.31.1.06
Zahroh, U., Darmayanti, R., C, C., & Soebagyo, R. I. (2023). Project-Based Learning Training and Assistance for Prospective High School Teacher. Jurnal Inovasi Dan Pengembangan Hasil Pengabdian Masyarakat, 1(2), 115–121. https://doi.org/10.61650/jip-dimas.v1i2.237
Zhang, D., & Wang, W. (2023). The current status and development of pre-service language teachers’ TLLT competence in a PjBL classroom. Cogent Education, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2023.2273174
Zhang, L., Li, S., & Zhao, Q. (2021). A Review of Research on Adakites. International Geology Review, 63(1), 47–64. https://doi.org/10.1080/00206814.2019.1702592
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
Citation Check
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Hoirul Ummah

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
License and Publishing Agreement
In submitting the manuscript to the journal, the authors certify that:
- They are authorized by their co-authors to enter into these arrangements.
- The work described has not been formally published before, except in the form of an abstract or as part of a published lecture, review, thesis, or overlay journal.
- That it is not under consideration for publication elsewhere,
- That its publication has been approved by all the author(s) and by the responsible authorities – tacitly or explicitly – of the institutes where the work has been carried out.
- They secure the right to reproduce any material that has already been published or copyrighted elsewhere.
- They agree to the following license and publishing agreement.
Copyright
Authors who publish with JOLLT Journal of Languages and Language Teaching agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY-SA 4.0) that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work.
Licensing for Data Publication
-
Open Data Commons Attribution License, http://www.opendatacommons.org/licenses/by/1.0/ (default)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.














