BENEFITS OF PROJECT-BASED LEARNING IN TEACHING ENGLISH IN PRESCHOOL

Актуальные проблемы современной науки: тезисы докладов VІI Международной научно-практической конференции (Санкт-Петербург – Астана – Киев – Вена, 28 апреля 2016)

Педагогические науки

KURLISHCHUK  INNA IVANIVNA

Candidate of  Pedagogic Sciences,

Assistant Professor at the Department of  Pedagogic

Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University

Starobilsk, Ukraine

BENEFITS OF PROJECT-BASED LEARNING IN TEACHING ENGLISH IN PRESCHOOL

Abstract. The article marks the benefits of Project-Based Learning in teaching English as a foreign language in preschool. The purpose of the study is justification of the peculiarities of the implementation of Project-Based Learning in modern Ukrainian educational process of preschool educational institution. The effectiveness of its using in preschool are considered.

Keywords: Project-Based Learning, project, preschool, English lessons, preschool-age children

The problem definition in a general aspect and its relation to important scientific tasks. Nowadays Ukrainian education system focuses on the main trends not only of Ukrainian society but global community as well. Our modern world is multilingual, multicultural and it is an interconnected world. Cross cultural communicative competencies are increasingly important for mutual understanding and cooperation. Ukraine is integrating into the world community that’s why the problem of learning foreign languages, especially English, is urgent.

The growing number of studies indicates that the best time for a child to learn another language is in the first three to four years of  life. Learning a foreign language in preschool-age becomes very popular in modern Ukraine. So the question is how we can do it in the most efficient way.  The use of Project-Based Learning will improve the learning process, increase preschoolers’ motivation and develop their creative and independent productive learning abilities.

The analysis of the recent researches and publications in which the resolution of the given problems commenced and to which the author refers to. The main aspects of teaching English to preschoolers have been described by V.Bondarenko, M. Borshchenko, A. Burns, S. Carton, F.Coplan, O. Negnevytska, A.Panasiuk, I. Riazanova, T. Shkvarina, I. Shyshkova, K. Vittenberg.  Publications by I.Bim, I. Chechel, L. Fried-Booth, T. Hutchinson, M.Knoll, T. Markham, J.Pellegrino,  Ye. Polat, F. Stoller,  I. Zymnia have presented the peculiarities of using of Project-Based Learning  in modern educational system. Using Project-Based Learning in studying English as a foreign language paying much attention to such scholars as N. Abysheva, T. Dusheina, N. Kondratova, R. Levine, O. Pata,  F.Stoller  O. Tsymbala and others.

Emphasizing of previously not defined parts of the general problems to which this article is dedicated. Analysis of the work above authors shows that the problem of Project-Based Learning in teaching in preschool is rather popular today. Nevertheless, the peculiarities of using the potential of Project-Based Learning in teaching English as a foreign language remained uncovered.

In this report the focus is on benefits of using Project-Based Learning in teaching English in preschool education institutions.

The presentation of the main material research with the justification of the scientific results. Preschool years are crucially significant in the development of a child. This period is the most important for the intensive formation of different kind of skills, includes speaking skills. The main achievement of the preschool age lies in the development of the basis of the child’s personality culture, development of individual abilities, independence, creativity, self-sufficiency. Modern early childhood education in Ukraine supports children’s verbal and cognitive, social, physical, esthetic and emotional development.

M. Segal [2] emphasizes the fact that during this period the foundations for thinking, language, vision, attitudes, aptitudes, and other characteristics are laid down. Children this age are extremely active and mobile. Preschoolers love to imitate other people's words. They often mimic comments, phrases and sophisticated statements, particularly during pretend play.  Preschool children are continuing their mastery of a foreign language.

Project-Based Learning has a number of benefits in English teaching, especially, when we talk about preschool- age students.

Project-Based Learning is a teaching technology in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an engaging and complex question, problem, or challenge [1].

It is possible to use different types of projects in learning English in preschool educational system.  Among them are: creative, role play, informative and practice-oriented projects.  It can be personal or pair projects. According to the duration of the project they can be divided into such groups as short-term, middle-term or long-term projects.

These projects involved: collecting information; colouring pictures; cutting out pictures; drawing pictures; retelling stories; composing fairy-tales; presenting information in poster format, act different situations and roles etc.

Preschoolers use sensory stimulation and play combined with language learning. They can learn by listening, seeing, imitating, and practicing.

There are several principles which help to do your teaching more efficient:

• Make learning fun. The more fun it is to learn a language, the more a child will want to learn it.
• Learn by doing. Learning while playing is the best way to learn. Use the body. We learn more when we move. Encourage children to dance and move to the rhythm when they are learning  English.
• Learn with music. Be sure lyrics combined with music are easier to learn. Learn as many songs as your students can; it gives them the opportunity to catch the rhythm of a foreign language.
•  Learn by tasting.  You can combine language learning by eating foods and saying the food name in the new language.
• Reinforce with pictures and sounds. Say the sounds of the language that accompany a picture in a playful way. For example, "B is for Banana. [b]– [b] – Banana. B is for Banana. [b] – [b] – B".

·     Have them create. For preschoolers it’s very important “to draw or to cut” a new word. To play a role play and use a foreign language in natural context.

• Use the whole world as your classroom.

When we talk about preschool- age children the projects can be like “My Family”, “My favorite toy”, “My pet”, “Seasons”, “My House/ My Flat”, “My room”, “Fruit and vegetables”  etc.

Conclusions. Today Project-Based Learning is one of the most efficient technologies in teaching English language and makes learning English available to a wider range of preschoolers. It allows create language environment and real-life situation at English lessons. When children are involved in projects, they have enhanced motivation. Among the main benefits of Project–Based Learning are:  active role of students; growth in self-reliance; making learning English more natural, enjoyable and rewarding for preschool- age  students.

References

1. Buck Institute for Education (2012). Project-based learning for the 21^st century. Retrieved November 30, 2012. [Online].  Available from:  http://www.bie.org/about/what_is_pbl.

2. Segal M., Bardige B., Woika M.J., Leinfelder J. (2010, Oct.). Characteristics and Interests of Preschool Children.   Pearson Allyn Bacon Prentice Hall.  [Online].  Available from: http://www.education.com/