Investigating the Impact of Project-Based Instruction on Second-Grade Students' Social Studies Learning and Motivation

• In Event: Poster Session 9
  In Poster Session: Research in Social Studies Education

Abstract

This two-year cluster randomized controlled trial investigates the impact of project-based instruction (PBI) that integrates social studies and content literacy on second-grade students’ social studies achievement and motivation in low-SES school settings. Forty-eight teachers were assigned at random in within-school pairs to the experimental or comparison group. The experimental group taught PBI in four 20-lesson projects aligned with state content expectations in social studies and a subset of Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy. In addition to examining the impact of PBI on student achievement and motivation, we also explore the influence of various implementation factors (e.g., how many lessons the teachers taught and fidelity to the projects). We conclude with implications for policy and practice.

Authors

• Anne-Lise F. Halvorsen, Michigan State University

• Nell K. Duke, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

• Stephanie L. Strachan, Lawrence Hall of Science, University of California - Berkeley

• William Toledo, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor