Project-Based Learning in Higher Education for Developing Transversal Competences in English for Tourism and Tourism Intermediation.

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Title: Project-Based Learning in Higher Education for Developing Transversal Competences in English for Tourism and Tourism Intermediation.
Authors: Rodríguez-Pallas, Ángel1 angel.rodriguez.pallas@udc.es, Montoya-Reyes, Ana1 ana.montoya@udc.es
Source: International Journal of Instruction. Jul2026, Vol. 19 Issue 3, p555-574. 20p.
Subject Terms: *Project method in teaching, *Language ability, *Bilingual students, *Higher education, *Employability, Tourism, Travel agents, Soft skills
Abstract: This study examines how Project-Based Learning (PBL) promotes transversal competences by integrating two core subjects, English for Tourism, First Modern Language English, with Tourism Intermediation and Transport I in the bilingual Tourism Degree program at the University of A Coruña. Over a period of twelve weeks, 12 students in their second year of the degree designed a comprehensive travel package in English, which included destination analysis, itinerary planning, supplier negotiation, cost calculation, and promotional materials. Using a qualitative-dominant mixed-methods approach, data were collected through a six-item student questionnaire (Google Forms, which included open-ended and Likert-scale responses), project artefacts assessment (reports, itineraries, spreadsheets, and promotional materials), and systematic observations during group meetings and presentations. Notes on teamwork, participation, problem-solving, and English use provided additional material to monitor the progress of student engagement. Data analysis combined thematic analysis for qualitative evidence and descriptive statistics for quantitative responses. The findings obtained show that students perceived the project as highly relevant for applying linguistic and professional knowledge to authentic industry tasks. The reported benefits included greater use of specialised vocabulary, improved public speaking in English, enhanced collaboration, and a clearer understanding of tourism-sector practices. Challenges were mainly associated with spreadsheet-based cost calculations and varying spoken language proficiency. At the end of this project, students expressed high satisfaction, suggesting that interdisciplinary PBL strengthens both employability skills and language competence in tourism education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of International Journal of Instruction is the property of International Journal of Instruction and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Education Research Complete
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  Data: Project-Based Learning in Higher Education for Developing Transversal Competences in English for Tourism and Tourism Intermediation.
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="JN" term="%22International+Journal+of+Instruction%22">International Journal of Instruction</searchLink>. Jul2026, Vol. 19 Issue 3, p555-574. 20p.
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  Data: *<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Project+method+in+teaching%22">Project method in teaching</searchLink><br />*<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Language+ability%22">Language ability</searchLink><br />*<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Bilingual+students%22">Bilingual students</searchLink><br />*<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Higher+education%22">Higher education</searchLink><br />*<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Employability%22">Employability</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Tourism%22">Tourism</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Travel+agents%22">Travel agents</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Soft+skills%22">Soft skills</searchLink>
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  Data: This study examines how Project-Based Learning (PBL) promotes transversal competences by integrating two core subjects, English for Tourism, First Modern Language English, with Tourism Intermediation and Transport I in the bilingual Tourism Degree program at the University of A Coruña. Over a period of twelve weeks, 12 students in their second year of the degree designed a comprehensive travel package in English, which included destination analysis, itinerary planning, supplier negotiation, cost calculation, and promotional materials. Using a qualitative-dominant mixed-methods approach, data were collected through a six-item student questionnaire (Google Forms, which included open-ended and Likert-scale responses), project artefacts assessment (reports, itineraries, spreadsheets, and promotional materials), and systematic observations during group meetings and presentations. Notes on teamwork, participation, problem-solving, and English use provided additional material to monitor the progress of student engagement. Data analysis combined thematic analysis for qualitative evidence and descriptive statistics for quantitative responses. The findings obtained show that students perceived the project as highly relevant for applying linguistic and professional knowledge to authentic industry tasks. The reported benefits included greater use of specialised vocabulary, improved public speaking in English, enhanced collaboration, and a clearer understanding of tourism-sector practices. Challenges were mainly associated with spreadsheet-based cost calculations and varying spoken language proficiency. At the end of this project, students expressed high satisfaction, suggesting that interdisciplinary PBL strengthens both employability skills and language competence in tourism education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
– Name: AbstractSuppliedCopyright
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  Data: <i>Copyright of International Journal of Instruction is the property of International Journal of Instruction and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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RecordInfo BibRecord:
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      – Type: doi
        Value: 10.29333/iji.2026.19330a
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      – Code: eng
        Text: English
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      – SubjectFull: Project method in teaching
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Language ability
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      – SubjectFull: Bilingual students
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      – SubjectFull: Higher education
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      – SubjectFull: Employability
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      – SubjectFull: Tourism
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      – SubjectFull: Travel agents
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      – SubjectFull: Soft skills
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      – TitleFull: Project-Based Learning in Higher Education for Developing Transversal Competences in English for Tourism and Tourism Intermediation.
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            NameFull: Rodríguez-Pallas, Ángel
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              Text: Jul2026
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              Y: 2026
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