This School is Made for Students: Students' Perspectives on PBL

Area of Science:

• Education
• Pedagogy
• Science Education

Background:

• Project-based learning (PBL) is a growing pedagogical approach in K-12 education.
• Students in PBL settings often show improved academic performance and non-academic skills like self-efficacy.
• Understanding student perceptions of PBL is crucial for effective implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore biology students' perceptions of their project-based learning experiences.
• To understand how students perceive the influence of PBL on their agency, self-efficacy, and overall learning.
• To identify specific elements of PBL that contribute to positive student perceptions.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research methods were employed.
• Data collection included observations, artifact collection, interviews, and focus groups.
• A student focus group was specifically utilized to gather in-depth perceptions.

Main Results:

• Students perceived project-based learning as a positive influence on their agency.
• Student self-efficacy and overall learning experience were positively impacted by PBL.
• Positive perceptions of PBL correlated with purposefully designed instructional elements.

Conclusions:

• Project-based learning is perceived favorably by K-12 biology students.
• The design of PBL activities significantly influences student perceptions and outcomes.
• Findings offer insights for educators seeking to integrate PBL effectively.