Connection Between the Organization of Project-Based Learning and Selected Didactic Characteristics of the Learning Process, the Teacher, and the School

Authors

Milena Valenčič Zuljan
University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Education
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1727-1347
Romina Plešec Gasparič
University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Education
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4573-5135
Mojca Žveglič Mihelič
University of Ljbuljana, Faculty of Education
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3835-224X

Synopsis

Project-based learning is recognized as a didactic strategy of open instruction and plays a significant role in achieving both cognitive and conative educational goals. Its implementation requires careful attention to the specific characteristics of this instructional approach and the unique articulation of the learning process. In this quantitative empirical study, conducted on a purposive sample of 169 Slovenian primary school teachers, we examined how frequently teachers implement project-based learning and how this practice is related to selected didactic features of the learning process, as well as to teacher and school characteristics. The results show that the majority of teachers-regardless of their stage of professional development-implement project-based learning at least occasionally. Correlational analysis revealed that teachers who engage in project-based learning more frequently are also more likely to use problem-based and research-based instruction, to individualize their teaching, to foster creative thinking, and to organize group work. These teachers are also more likely to participate in research projects, rate themselves higher in their ability to inspire colleagues toward innovation in teaching, and are more often employed at schools that place a greater emphasis on various aspects of instructional organization.

Author Biographies

Milena Valenčič Zuljan, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Education

Dr. Milena Valenčič Zuljan is a full professor of didactics at the Faculty of Education, University of Ljubljana. Her scientific, pedagogical and professional work focuses on research into teaching, especially teaching methods and didactic innovations, resilience and professional development of teaching staff. With numerous publications and connections at home and abroad, she significantly contributes to the development of didactic practice and theory.

Ljubljana, Slovenia. E-mail: milena.valencic@pef.uni-lj.si

Romina Plešec Gasparič, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Education

Dr. Romina Plešec Gasparič is an assistant professor in the field of didactics, employed at the Faculty of Education, University of Ljubljana since 2010. Her research focuses on learning forms, didactic principles, didactic innovations, flipped learning and teaching, and other current didactic topics. She works as a reviewer for various Slovenian and foreign journals.

Ljubljana, Slovenia. E-mail: romina.plesec@pef.uni-lj.si

Mojca Žveglič Mihelič, University of Ljbuljana, Faculty of Education

Dr. Mojca Žveglič Mihelič is an assistant professor in the field of pedagogical methodology and statistics at the Faculty of Education, University of Ljubljana. Her main areas of research are knowledge assessment from the perspective of measurement characteristics and fairness, pedagogical research methodology, and teacher education. Among other things, she has studied methodological aspects of teacher assessment in primary schools, and with her colleagues she also conducts research in the areas of inclusive education, motives for choosing a teaching profession, and digital maturity of young people.

Ljubljana, Slovenia. E-mail: mojca.zveglic@pef.uni-lj.si

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Published

July 21, 2025

License

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Valenčič Zuljan, M., Plešec Gasparič, R., & Žveglič Mihelič, M. (2025). Connection Between the Organization of Project-Based Learning and Selected Didactic Characteristics of the Learning Process, the Teacher, and the School. In M. Javornik, M. Ivanuš Grmek, & M. Mithans (Eds.), Sodobni didaktični diskurzi v kontekstu pedagoške tradicije: Monografija v počastitev 80-letnice prof. dr. Martina Kramarja (pp. 93-116). University of Maribor Press. https://doi.org/10.18690/um.pef.7.2025.5