Journal Screenshot

International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development

Open Access Journal

ISSN: 2226-6348

Project-based Learning in Early Science Education A Systematic Review

Sun DongJin, Zakiah Binti Mohamad Ashari

http://dx.doi.org/10.6007/IJARPED/v13-i2/21365

Open access

This study systematically reviews the effectiveness of Project-Based Learning (PjBL) in early science education, focusing on its impact on children's critical thinking and cooperative skills. Employing the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across major databases, resulting in the selection of 49 relevant studies published between 2019 and 2023. The analysis reveals that PjBL not only enhances scientific understanding and 21st-century skills among young learners but also significantly improves their engagement and collaborative abilities through real-world problem-solving and interdisciplinary learning. However, challenges such as resource limitations and the need for teacher training are identified. The study underscores the necessity for future research to explore optimized PjBL implementations and assess long-term learning outcomes. The findings provide substantial evidence of PjBL’s potential in reforming early science education, advocating for integrated approaches to foster critical thinking and cooperation among young learners, thereby preparing them for future academic and professional challenges.

Amos, R., Knippels, M.-C., & Levinson, R. (2020). Socio-Scientific Inquiry-Based Learning: Possibilities and Challenges for Teacher Education. In Contemporary Trends and Issues in Science Education (Vol. 52, pp. 41–61). Scopus. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-40229-7_4
Bajracharya, J. R. (2019). Instructional Design and Models: ASSURE and Kemp. Journal of Education, 9(2), 1–8.
Bell, S. (2010). Project-Based Learning for the 21st Century: Skills for the Future. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas, 83(2), 39–43. https://doi.org/10.1080/00098650903505415
Boud, D. (2012). Developing student autonomy in learning. Routledge. https://api.taylorfrancis.com/content/books/mono/download?identifierName=doi&identifierValue=10.4324/9780203059036&type=googlepdf
Chen, S., Guo, M., & Dousay, T. A. (2023). Grow to learn: A metacognitive approach to early childhood teachers’ science professional development. Research in Science and Technological Education. Scopus. https://doi.org/10.1080/02635143.2023.2279076
Cheng, C.-Y., Kao, C.-P., Hsu, T.-W., & Lin, K.-Y. (2023). A study of the feasibility of a cross-college curriculum based on the experience of student cooperation. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 33(1), 23–37. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10798-022-09752-3
Christenson, S. L., Simmons, K. L., & Vaitsos, A. D. (2020). Primarily igniting the passion: STEM in early education. 2020-October. Scopus.
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85100916812&partnerID=40&md5=6d0a0fd3c6d93e6c8d563418c43fe3e3
Daneshfar, S., & Moharami, M. (2018). Dynamic assessment in Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory: Origins and main concepts. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 9(3), 600–607.
Das, M. (2020). Taking a bandsaw to 1st grade: Transforming elementary school through hands-on STEAM education (evaluation). 2020-June. Scopus. https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85095733918&partnerID=40&md5=7af89d95e771e70d9e5a9841c5281ace
Dinsmore, D. L., & Fryer, L. K. (2023). Critical thinking and its relation to strategic processing. Educational Psychology Review, 35(1), 36. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-023-09755-z
Eshach, H. (Ed.). (2006). Science Literacy in Primary Schools and Pre-Schools (Vol. 1). Kluwer Academic Publishers. https://doi.org/10.1007/1-4020-4674-X
Fenrich, E. (2022). Start them early and keep them involved- Examples for Outreach Activities with Children. 207–210. Scopus. https://doi.org/10.3850/IAHR-39WC2521716X20221547
Gealy, A.-M., Tinney, G., Macdonald, N., & Waters, J. (2022). A socio-constructivist approach to developing a professional learning intervention for early childhood education and care practitioners in Wales. Professional Development in Education, 48(2), 298–314. Scopus. https://doi.org/10.1080/19415257.2020.1742187
Goos, M., Carreira, S., & Namukasa, I. K. (2023). Mathematics and interdisciplinary STEM education: Recent developments and future directions. ZDM – Mathematics Education, 55(7), 1199–1217. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11858-023-01533-z
Han, S., Capraro, R., & Capraro, M. M. (2015). How science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) project-based learning (PBL) affects high, middle, and low achievers differently: The impact of student factors on achievement. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 13, 1089–1113.
Howitt, C., Morris, M., & Colvill, M. (2020). Science Teaching and Learning in the Early Childhood Years. In The Art of Teaching Primary Science (pp. 233–248). Scopus. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003114871-16
Hsin, C.-T., & Wu, H.-K. (2023). Implementing a Project-Based Learning Module in Urban and Indigenous Areas to Promote Young Children’s Scientific Practices. Research in Science Education, 53(1), 37–57. Scopus. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11165-022-10043-z
Jamali, S. M., Ale Ebrahim, N., & Jamali, F. (2023). The role of STEM education in improving the quality of education: A bibliometric study. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 33(3), 819–840. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10798-022-09762-1
Johnson, C. (2019). University of South Wales national cyber security academy–creating cyber graduates who can ‘hit the ground running’: An innovative project based approach. Higher Education Pedagogies, 4(1), 300–303. Scopus.
https://doi.org/10.1080/23752696.2019.1605837
Kallery, M., Sofianidis, A., Pationioti, P., Tsialma, K., & Katsiana, X. (2022). Cognitive style, motivation and learning in inquiry-based early-years science activities. International Journal of Early Years Education, 30(4), 906–924. Scopus.
https://doi.org/10.1080/09669760.2022.2052819
Kang, N.-H. (2019). A review of the effect of integrated STEM or STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) education in south korea. Asia-Pacific Science Education, 5(1), 6. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41029-019-0034-y
Kolb, D. A. (2014). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development. FT press. https://books.google.com/books?hl=zh-CN&lr=&id=jpbeBQAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PR7&dq=+D.+A.+Kolb,+%22Experiential+Learning:+Experience+as+the+Source+of+Learning+and+Development&ots=Vp3NoP_ZLh&sig=2e4On7MI-TE9uo73sbpmveRX7Io
Krajcik, J. S., & Czerniak, C. M. (2018). Teaching science in elementary and middle school: A project-based learning approach. Routledge.
https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781315205014/teaching-science-elementary-middle-school-joseph-krajcik-charlene-czerniak
Laal, M., & Ghodsi, S. M. (2012). Benefits of collaborative learning. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 31, 486–490.
Lave, J., & Wenger, E. (1991). Situated learning: Legitimate peripheral participation. Cambridge university press. https://books.google.com/books?hl=zh-CN&lr=&id=CAVIOrW3vYAC&oi=fnd&pg=PA11&dq=J.+Lave+and+E.+Wenger,+%22Situated+Learning:+Legitimate+Peripheral+Participation&ots=OElytm-JEh&sig=81OKtkSHXJ-7sGTzonqPCw6bmVU
Li, K. C., & Wong, B. T. (2023). Personalisation in STE(a)M education: A review of literature from 2011 to 2020. Journal of Computing in Higher Education, 35(1), 186–201. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12528-022-09341-2
Markham, T., Larmer, J., & Ravitz, J. (2003). Project based learning handbook: A guide to standards-focused project based learning for middle and high school teachers. (No Title). https://cir.nii.ac.jp/crid/1130000794150590976
Mergendoller, J. R., & Thomas, J. W. (2005). Managing project based learning: Principles from the field. Retrieved June, 14, 2005.
Ortiz-Revilla, J., Adúriz-Bravo, A., & Greca, I. M. (2020). A framework for epistemological discussion on integrated STEM education. Science & Education, 29(4), 857–880. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11191-020-00131-9
Piaget, J. (2013). The construction of reality in the child. Routledge. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781315009650/construction-reality-child-jean-piaget
Savery, J. R. (2015). Overview of problem-based learning: Definitions and distinctions. Essential Readings in Problem-Based Learning: Exploring and Extending the Legacy of Howard S. Barrows, 9(2), 5–15.
Skamp, K. (2022). Research in science education (RISE): A review (and story) of research in RISE articles (1994–2018). Research in Science Education, 52(1), 205–237. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11165-020-09934-w
Sun, L., Guo, Z., & Zhou, D. (2022). Developing K-12 students’ programming ability: A systematic literature review. Education and Information Technologies, 27(5), 7059–7097. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-022-10891-2
Tamim, S., & Grant, M. (2013). Definitions and Uses: Case Study of Teachers Implementing Project-based Learning. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning, 7(2). https://doi.org/10.7771/1541-5015.1323
Trilling, B., & Fadel, C. (2012). 21st century skills: Learning for life in our times. John Wiley & Sons. https://books.google.com/books?hl=zh-CN&lr=&id=pfKyBwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA12&dq=B.+Trilling+and+C.+Fadel,+%2221st+Century+Skills:+Learning+for+Life+in+Our+Times,&ots=gmhZrF1cGh&sig=D61ngD1J8h6dZHB_vwB-nstmo8A

(DongJin & Ashari, 2024)
DongJin, S., & Ashari, Z. B. M. (2024). Project-based Learning in Early Science Education A Systematic Review. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 13(2), 627–642.