Developing Chinese Language Speaking Skills through Virtual Project-Based Learning of Thai Undergraduate Students in the Major of Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language, Khon Kaen University, Thailand

This study investigates the enhancement of Chinese language speaking skills through Virtual Project-Based Learning (VPBL) for Thai undergraduate students at Khon Kaen University. Conducted in 2021, the research focused on 23 students enrolled in a course on media and innovation in Chinese language, specifically within the Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language program. The VPBL approach incorporated virtual collaboration and project-based tasks, enabling students to practice language skills in authentic contexts. Significant improvements were observed in pronunciation accuracy, vocabulary, and grammar correctness, expressiveness, and cultural appropriateness. Results showed a mean score increase of 77.90% in pronunciation accuracy and 73.55% in vocabulary accuracy, with expressiveness and cultural appropriateness seeing growth rates of 89.13% and 84.01%, respectively. However, the study has some limitations, including a small sample size and its conduct at a single university, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Future research should consider larger sample sizes and involve multiple institutions to validate these results. Despite these limitations, the study highlights the potential of VPBL as an effective pedagogical strategy for advancing foreign language speaking skills. It offers valuable insights for language educators seeking innovative methods to enhance language instruction.