Current trends and developments in the application of digital tools and implementation of environmental awareness and sustainability in PBL-based STEM education: a dual systematic literature review

Abstract

In our literature review, we analyzed educational science articles which provided up to date (from 2020 to 2022) research results on the application, implementation and development of problem-based learning tools, materials and methods (or frameworks) in STEM subjects. The most common themes of those articles were the use of state of the art digital tools (e.g. VR or IVE) and topics based around environmental awareness (e.g. bushfire safety or the fauna of the seas) and sustainability (plastic pollution, low carbon awareness etc.). Based on the content of newly implemented elements and methodologies of the curricula, we marked typical tools and methods which may be utilized the most effectively in PBL - we also enlisted key contributing factors for implementational success (both systematic and (inter)personal ones). We also categorized the digital tools that were used in PBL of STEM - the overview suggests that the increased use of digital tools may not always be the primary instrument to enhance the subject-specific knowledge of the learners, but it can prove to be highly effective in developing other elements of the students’ skillset (e.g. soft skills).