A case study of student development across project-based learning units in middle school chemistry

Abstract

Numerous theoretical and empirical studies have claimed that project-based learning (PBL) exerts a positive impact on student development. This study explores the development and changes of students across project-based learning units by qualitative research methods. We followed a student group (1 boy and 3 girls) from one class in grade 9 over 3 time points within 1 school year. Classroom observation, focus group student interviews and artifact collection were used to collect data at the end of three units over time.Qualitative research methods were employed for data analysis to determine what competencies students demonstrate and how these competencies changed during 3 units. The results revealed that this student group demonstrated both cognitive (e.g., understanding of core ideas, use of scientific practices, problem solving and creativity) and non-cognitive competencies (e.g., motivation to learn chemistry, collaboration, environmental awareness and perseverance). Three competencies (understanding of core ideas, motivation to learn chemistry, and collaboration) were shown in all three units, and these three competencies gradually improved as the units progressed. The across project-based learning units showed a promising effect on student development. This study concludes with a discussion of challenges and promises for using across project-based learning units to support student development.

Pancasila Student Profiles in Science Lessons and Potential for Strengthening by Developing PjBL-Based E-Modules

“…Project based learning or can be abbreviated as PjBL is an innovative learning model centered on students (student centered) with teachers as facilitators, so as to make students more active during the learning process and can strengthen the four dimensions of Pancasila student profiles in natural science learning, which includes critical reasoning dimension, creative, independent, and mutual assistance dimension. This is in line with research conducted by Zhao & Wang (2022) through qualitative analysis found that in PjBL, students show more critical reasoning competencies, learning motivation, mutual assistance, the use of scientific practices, problem solving, creativity, environmental awareness, and perseverance in self study.…”

Improving pre-service chemistry teachers’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills using project-based learning

“…Alternatively, it will positively impact students' CTS and PSS (Su, 2020;Turiman et al, 2012). These findings are relevant to the research findings by Zhao and Wang (2022), Yusuf andAdeoye (2012), andValdez andBungihan (2019), which proved that project-based learning is effective in increasing curiosity, confidence, and problem-solving skills needed by individuals to face everyday life problems and be active and survive in a global society. In addition, students with high CTS and PSS are believed to be ready to face global challenges, compete in the era of globalization, and become problem solvers in their lives and society (Patonah et al, 2021;Tiruneh et al, 2018).…”

Integrating Micro Project-Based Learning to Improve Conceptual Understanding and Crucial Learning Skills in Chemistry

“…For the specific strategies of integrating the MPBL pedagogical approach into the teaching of chemistry concepts and crucial learning skills at upper-secondary schools, it is noteworthy that the previous papers, although they mentioned the benefits of PBL and its impact on students' study, did not specifically address the improvement of certain problems in the implementation of PBL in the classroom at this stage (Ayaz & Söylemez, 2015). Besides, some studies have established some PBL design processes, but most of them are rough and lack a refined design process and specific cases of lesson plan integrating implementation (Zhao & Wang, 2022). In this study, the PBL pedological approach was revised into MPBL to make it more compatible with the upper-secondary science classroom.…”