Project-based learning practices in the 21st century to improve EFL learners’ autonomy

Project-based learning (PBL) has made it possible for learners to develop 21st century skills, namely critical thinking, problem solving, life-long learning skills, creativity, innovation, collaboration, and real-life-setting communication skills. While obtaining these skills, learners are required to develop their learning autonomy. This article discusses PBL practices and students’ autonomy in learning English as a foreign language (EFL). To reveal the benefits of PBL in promoting learner autonomy in the EFL classroom, this study reviewed some theories of PBL and learners’ self-reliance, and finally, a working model of PBL for EFL learning is proposed.