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