The Impact of Project Based Learning on Developing 21st Century Skills: A Mixed Methods Research

Abstract

In a constantly changing world, acquisition of 21^st century skills is a crucial aspect of students’ learning. This mixed method study examined the impact of Project Based Learning (PBL) on the development of 21^st century skills of grade eight students in a private sector school of Karachi, Pakistan. For this purpose, students’ expectations of how they want to learn science were explored. Based on the findings, a PBL based intervention was conducted using pre-experimental, one-group pretest and posttest design. Additionally, qualitative data were collected pre and post intervention through students’ focus group interviews. Statistical tools were used to examine quantitative data whereas qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that students required more opportunities for hands-on activities, and experiments for learning science to enhance their motivation and practical skills. The quantitative results indicated that students involved in PBL showed significant improvement in all four skills including communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity. These findings support the integration of Project Based Learning (PBL) in science classroom practices in order to prepare students for the 21st century.