Integrating Project-Based Learning in Middle School Years Program: Action Research and Design Experiment From India

• In Event: Cognitive and Motivational Processes in Project-Based Learning Environments

Abstract

This study addresses the question: How community-issues-based project-based learning [CI-PBL] could be integrated into middle years school programs [N= 300 teachers; N = 6000 children], especially those catering to children from high poverty and socially marginalized communities. Additionally, the study draws evidence for how CI -PBL fosters communication, critical thinking, citizenship, & problem-solving skills in children.
Findings from this study conducted in public schools of Jhunjhunu [an Indian district] show that PBL pedagogy contextualized to children’s immediate context & school realities ensures adoption. Further, the pre-post self-report exercise indicates that CI-PBL classrooms enhance children’s communication (68%), critical thinking (55%), citizenship (64%), and problem-solving skills (60%). In the end, community campaigns around CI-PBL facilitate its adoption amongst teachers & children.

Authors

• Monal Jayaram Poduval, Piramal Foundation
  Presenting Author

• Jigna Nawani, Piramal Foundation
  Non-Presenting Author

• Neha Rana
  Non-Presenting Author

• Sandeep Saini
  Non-Presenting Author

• Kuldeep Dantewadia
  Non-Presenting Author