Title
Project-Based Learning Activities for Short-Term Intensive English Programs

Keywords: project-based learning, intensive English programs, technology in EFL learning, English for Specific Purposes, curriculum development

Authors
Patrick Foss, Nathaniel Carney, Kurtis McDonald and Matthew Rooks
Kwansei Gakuin University School of Science and Technology, Japan

Bio Data
Patrick Foss (M.Ed.), Nathaniel Carney (M.A.), Kurtis McDonald (M.A.), and Matthew Rooks (M.A.) teach in the EFL program at the School of Science and Technology at Kwansei Gakuin University in Sanda, Japan. Their research interests include fluency development (Foss), computer-mediated intercultural learning (Carney), meaningful language learning (McDonald), and comprehensible input (Rooks).

Abstract
This paper examines the effectiveness of the project-based teaching approach in a short-term intensive English program for Japanese university EFL students. Four distinct projects are described and evaluated, and the benefits and limitations of the four projects are given. The paper shows that project-based instruction is a viable and flexible alternative to traditional intensive English coursework.

Title
Making the Most of Search Engines for Japanese to English Translation: Benefits and Challenges

Keywords: translation into L2, search engine, authentic materials, Japanese EFL students, autonomous learning

Authors
Yasunari Fujii
Tokyo Denki University, Japan

Bio Data
Yasunari Fujii has taught at universities in both Australia and Japan, including the University of Canberra and Tokyo Denki University. He holds an MA in linguistics from Sophia University and a PhD in linguistics from the Australian National University. His major research areas include conversation analysis, sociolinguistics, language teaching and translation theory.

Abstract
The number of Japanese universities offering translation and interpretation courses as part of their language programs has been steadily increasing. Little research has been conducted, however, to explore the potential benefits of search engines for the purpose of correcting and revising text translated from L1 into L2. Close to 200 university students in science and engineering participated in this study and validated the usability of the Google search engine for translation purposes. Specifically, this study compares and evaluates the effectiveness of the traditional dictionary-based approach to translation versus the Google-based method. Participants were required to revise a scientific abstract. An analysis of the two sets of data reveals noticeable improvements in the naturalness and accuracy of the participants translations of the abstract. The use of the search engine proved not only valuable in developing the participants autonomous learning capacity, but also helped overcome difficulties with articles and syntactic number, problems most commonly encountered by Japanese students of English. A discussion of questionnaire responses is included at the end of this article to measure the participants attitudes toward search engines after implementing this study. The results of the questionnaire show positive benefits as well as potential challenges associated with the Google-assisted exercises in translation.