Report on an Exploratory Group Project Class and its Future Tasks

Abstract

The authors conducted an exploratory group project class for learners of advanced and super advanced levels. The goal was to cultivate autonomous and collaborative attitudes, learning academic survey methods and Japanese expressions. The reflection sheets after the project revealed that the learners were generally able to achieve the goals. However, some felt uncomfortable with group collaboration, and questioned the amount and quality of their learning. The interview results indicated that the class design needs revision. Although learners felt the significance of autonomous and collaborative activities, the design did not reflect learners' diverse experience of academic research.