Journal Screenshot

International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development

Open Access Journal

ISSN: 2226-6348

An Experimental Study to Investigate the Effectiveness of Project-Based Learning (PBL) for Teaching Science at Elementary Level

Saima Khaliq, Muhammad Tayyab Alam, Muhammad Mushtaq

http://dx.doi.org/10.6007/IJARPED/v4-i1/1434

Open access

Information and communication technology (ICT) covers different types enabling use to receive, share and exchange information. In project-based learning (PBL), the learners remained the center of the process by engaging, collaborating and connecting himself to the real world. Teachers can explore characteristics of project-based learning and can organize the curriculum, the classroom, technology and the students for the successful 21st century skills. This study investigated the effectiveness of project-based learning (PBL) for teaching science at elementary level. The objectives of the study were application of the project-based learning technique to teach science at elementary level and finding out the effect of project based learning on the academic achievement of the students. There was no significance difference between the mean academic achievement scores of pre-test and post-test after the treatment. The one-group pretest-posttest design was used for the present study. All grade 8 students of the Federal Government high schools of Rawalpindi and Islamabad were the population. A federal school 8th class was randomly selected for the study. This selected group was considered as experimental group. The group was pre and post tested. The experimental group was taught through project-based learning technique by the researcher. After the treatment a post test was conducted and difference of the mean academic achievement score was observed. t test was used to analyze the data and it was recommended to use PBL in classroom particularly in teaching science subjects.

Akinoglu, O. (2008). Assessment of the inquiry-based project application in science education upon Turkish science teachers’ perspectives. Education. 129(2), 202–15.
Basi, G., & Beyhen, M. (2010). To investigate the effects of multiple intelligences supported project-based learning and traditional foreign language-teaching environment on students’ achievement and their attitude towards English lesson. International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education Vol. 2(3), July, 2010.
Blumenfeld, P. C., Krajcik, J. S., Marx, R. W., & Soloway, E. (1994). Lessons learned: How collaboration helped middle grade science teachers learn project-based instruction The Blumenfeld, P. C., Krajcik, J. S., Marx, R. W., & Soloway, E. (1994). Lessons learned Elementary School Journal, 94(5), 539–51. http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/461782
Barron, B., & Darling-Hammond, L. (2007). Teaching for meaningful learning: A review of researchon inquiry-based and cooperative learning. Edutopia.org. Retrieved May 4, 2010
from http://www.edutopia.org/pdfs/edutopia-teaching-for-meaningful-learning.pdf
Boss, S. (2011). Project-based learning: a short history .the George Lugas foundation of education Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/project-based-learning-history
Carlo, Jennifer & Joanne. (2008). Developing a Deep Approach and Attitude to Learning through Project-based Learning. Manila: De La Salle University. Available at http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1429339
Ertmer, P. A. (2005). Teacher pedagogical beliefs: The final frontier in our quest for technology
integration? Educational Technology Research and Development, 53(4), 25–39. http://
dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02504683
Government of Pakistan. (2009) National Education Policy 2009. Islamabad: Ministry of Education.
Haines, S. (1989) “Projects for the EFL classroom”. London: Nelson Hou, T. H. (2010). Exploring the behavioral patterns in project-based learning with online discussion: Quantitative content analysis and progressive sequential analysis .Taiwan: university of science and technology
Intel Teach Elements. (2008). Retrieved from
http://www.intel.com/education/pk/elements/pba/content.htm
Imtiaz, S., & Asif, I. S. (2012). Impacts of Project Based Learning in English Access Classrooms, a project funded by the State Department of United States for the students studying in public sector schools in Multan, Pakistan. Retrieved from www.languageinindia.com
Johnson, D., Johnson, R. (1991) Learning Together and Alone ed3.;Allyn & Bacon, Sydney
Kiran, N., & Rahman, F. (2011). Effectiveness of project method in teaching mathematics at secondary school level in Pakistan. Retrieved from www.languageinindia.com
McKenzie, J. (2001). exerpt from 'The Wired Classroom' [Online accessed 14/6/02]
URL:http://members.shaw.ca/priscillatheroux/teacherrole.html
Mitchell, S., Foulger, T. S., Wetzel, K., & Rathkey, C. (2009). The negotiated project approach: PBL without leaving the standards behind. Early Childhood Education Journal, 36(4), 339–46. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10643-008-0295-7
Novak, J. D. (2002), Meaningful learning: the essential factor for conceptual change in
limited or appropriate propositional hierarchies (LIPHs) leading to empowerment
of learners. Science Education, 86(4):548-571.
Rogers, P. M. A., Cross, D. I., Gresalfi, M. S., Trauth-Nare, A. E., & Buck, G. A. (2010). First year implementation of a project-based learning approach: The need for addressing teachers’ orientations in the era of reform. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 9(4), 893–917. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10763-010-9248-x
Rashid, M. (1999). Study guide on teaching strategies. Islamabad: Allama iqbal open university, Pakistan.
Ravitz, J., Hixson, N., English, M., & Mergendoller, J. (2012). Using project based learning to teach 21st century skills: Findings from a statewide initiative. Paper presented at Annual Meetings of the American Educational Research Association. Vancouver, BC. April 16, 2012. Available: http://www.bie.org/research/study/PBL_21CS_WV
Rosova, V. (2008). Project-based learning (diploma thesis). Available at
http://is.muni.cz/th/79846/pedf_m/Diplomova_prace.pdf
Savery, J. R. (2006). Overview of Problem-based Learning: De?nitions and Distinctions. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-based Learning, 1(1). Available at:
http://dx.doi.org/10.7771/1541-5015.1002
Strobel, J., & van Barneveld, A. (2009). When is PBL More Effective? A Meta-synthesis of Meta-analyses Comparing PBL to Conventional Classrooms. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-based Learning, 3(1). Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.7771/1541-5015.1046
Summers, E. J., & Dickinson, G. (2012). A Longitudinal Investigation of Project–based Instruction and Student Achievement in High School Social Studies. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-based Learning, 6(1). Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.7771/1541-5015.1313
Sana, I., & Saiqa, I. A. (2012). “I almost learnt to learn”: Promoting Learner’s Autonomy through Project Based Learning in Access Classrooms Language in India Com 2012
Theroux, P. (2004). Enhance Learning With Technology. Collaborative Learning.

In-Text Citation: (Khaliq et al., 2015)
To Cite this Article: Khaliq, S., Alam, M. T., & Mushtaq, M. (2015). An Experimental Study to Investigate the Effectiveness of Project-Based Learning (PBL) for Teaching Science at Elementary Level. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 4(1), 44–56.