Search

Project-based Learning in Basic Education: Literature Review and Research Perspectives

Author(s)

Wenbo Shui1,2

Affiliation(s)

1Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China 2Chifeng No. 2 International Experimental School, Chifeng, Inner Mongolia, China

Abstract

Project-Based Learning (PBL), as a central innovative model in the field of education in the 21st century, has garnered global attention. Through a literature review, this study systematically reviews the development of PBL both domestically and internationally, encompassing the construction of theoretical frameworks, the evolution of practical pathways, diverse implementation strategies, comprehensive assessment mechanisms, and its specific application within the national curriculum system. PBL demonstrates multifaceted characteristics in educational practice, such as interdisciplinary integration, student-centered instructional design, and a close connection with real-world issues, which together reveal its unique advantages in cultivating students' core competencies. Additionally, PBL plays a pivotal role in national curriculum reform, particularly in fostering critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaborative skills among students. Looking ahead, the development of PBL models tailored to different regional characteristics, especially the formulation of feasible implementation plans for resource-poor areas, and an increased focus on the professional development and training of teachers in western regions, have become significant research directions. The overall advancement of PBL in the national curriculum at the school level not only helps students meet national curriculum standards but also stimulates proactive learning and innovative thinking through PBL's distinctive teaching methods. Therefore, how to effectively promote project-based learning in the national curriculum at the school level has become a key issue in current research. This topic holds significant theoretical and practical value and has a profound impact on promoting educational innovation and enhancing students' comprehensive qualities.

Keywords

Project-Based Learning (PBL); Core Literacies; Educational Reform; Literature Review; Western Regions of China; Curriculum Integration

References

[1]Yang Mingquan. Project-based learning in the era of core literacy: connotation reshaping and value reconstruction. Curriculum. Teaching materials. Teaching Methods, 2021, 41(02):57-63. [2]Zang Ying. Creativity is the shortcoming of Chinese students--Times interviews internationally famous mathematician Qiu Chengtong. Basic Education Forum, 2012, (08):37-38. [3]Liu, Yangdan. Construction of Biology Teachers' Workshop Based on Project-based Learning Curriculum Development. East China Normal University, 2020. [4]Xia, Xuemei. From Design Pedagogy to Project-Based Learning: A Century of Change Repeat or Nirvana? Chinese Journal of Education, 2019(04):57-62. [5]Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China. Mathematics curriculum standards for compulsory education (2022 edition). Beijing: Beijing Normal University Press, 2022: 14. [6]Xia, Xuemei. Project-based learning in the National Curriculum: A high-quality categorization exploration. Shanghai Educational Research, 2023, (03):31-36. [7]Lu Gusun. English-Chinese Dictionary. Shanghai: Shanghai Translation Publishing House, 2007: 1505. [8]Ji Xiaochan. Research on project-based teaching of high school history. Qufu Normal University, 2022. [9]Buck Institute for Educational Research [U.S.], translated by Ren Wei. Project-based Learning Teacher's Guide to Secondary School Pedagogy in the 21st Century. Beijing: Education Science Press, 2008:4-5. [10]Thomas JW. A Review of Research on Project-Based Learning.2000. [11]Mohapatra D, Padhee S, Saxena S, et al. Project-based learning: Design of data acquisition module for green house system. International Journal of Electrical Engineering & Educatio n, 2023, 60(2):168-187. [12]Morgan A. Theoretical Aspects of Project-Based Learning in Higher Education. British Journal of Educational Technology, 2010, 14(1): 66-78. [13]Laffey J, Tupper T, Musser D, et al. A computer-mediated support system for project-based learning. Educational Technology Research and Development, 1998, 46(1):73-86. [14]Liu Jingfu, & Zhong Zhixian. Research on Project-Based Learning (PBL) Model. Research on Foreign Education, 2002, (11):18-22. [15]Xia Huixian, & Yang Yi. Project-based learning: modeling constructs and possible paths. Modern Basic Education Research, 2021(2):5-11. [16]Xia, Xuemei. Project-based learning in the disciplines: student perspectives. Global Education Perspectives, 2019 (2):3-4. [17][John Dewey [U.S.A.], translated by Zhao Xianlin. School and Society-The School of Tomorrow. Beijing: People's Education Press, 2016: 237-239. [18]Chen Jingrong. & Tao Xingzhi and Kerbercher. Journal of Hebei Normal University (Education Science Edition), 2017, 19(1):33-38. [19]Qu Baokui, & Ding Zhenlin. "Design pedagogy in China. Educational Research and Experimentation, 1985(3): 72-84. [20]Barrows HS, Tamblyn RM. Problem-Based Learning: An Approach to Medical Education. 1980. [21]Koschmann T, Kelson AC, Feltovich PJ, et al. Computer-supported problem-based learning. A principle approach to the use of computers in collaborative learning. Cscl theory & practice of an emerging paradigm, 1996. [22]Xia, Xuemei. From Design Pedagogy to Project-Based Learning: A Century of Change to Repeat or Nirvana to Rebirth? Chinese Journal of Education,2019(4): [23]Ji Xiaochan. Research on project-based teaching of high school history. Qufu Normal University, 2022. [24]Tao Xingzhi et al. Selected essays on life education. Chengdu: Sichuan Education Press, 1988:220. [25]Chen Hong. The Inspiration of Chen Heqin's Purpose Theory of "Living Education". People's Education, 2002(12): 2. [26]Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China. Shanghai: promoting project-based learning in compulsory education. [2022-5-30]. http://www.moe. gov.cn/jyb_xwfb/s5147/202010/t20201019 _495487.html. [27]Cai Yiming. Research on the implementation status and strategy of geography project-based learning in secondary schools in Shanghai. East China Normal University, 2022. [28]Yan Hanbing. Research on Learning Scaffolding for Informatization Teaching. China Electrification Education. 2003(11): 18- 21. [29]Wang Yanzhi &, Zeng Wenjing. Influencing factors, forms and implementation strategies of project-based learning in schools. Teaching and Management (Secondary School Edition), 2018(7):5-8. [30][US] R. Keith. Sawyer. The Cambridge Handbook of Learning Sciences. Translated by Xu Xiaodong, et al. Beijing: Education Science Press, 2010: 370. [31]Liu Jingfu, & Zhong Zhixian. Research on project-based learning (PBL) model. Research on Foreign Education, 2 002(11):18-22. [32]Yang Jinyan. Characteristics of project-based learning. Research on Curriculum and Textbook Teaching: Research on Chinese Teaching, 2017 (7): 36-36. [33][US] R. Keith. Sawyer. The Cambridge Handbook of Learning Sciences. Translated by Xu Xiaodong, et al. Beijing: Education Science Press, 2010: 321. [34]Xia Xuemei. Project-based learning assessment pointing to core literacy. Chinese Journal of Education, 2022(9) [35]Mohapatra D, Padhee S, Saxena S, et al. Project-based learning: Design of data acquisition module for green house system. International Journal of Electrical Engineering & Education, 2023, 60(2): 168-187. [36]Zhang Di. The Practice of Promoting Curriculum Synthesis by "Project Learning". Basic Education Forum, 2016. [37]Jia J. Project-based learning based on the national curriculum: values, paradigms and types. Curriculum Teaching Research, 2023(06): 11-19. [38]Xia, Xuemei. Project-based learning in the National Curriculum: A high-quality categorization exploration. Shanghai Educational Research, 2023, (03): 31-36. [39]Hu Jiayi. Project-based learning and the breakthrough of its practical dilemma. Teaching and Management, 2021(31): 4. [40]Soloway E. Enacting project-based science: Challenges for practice and policy. Elementary school journal, 1997. He P, Chen IC, Touitou I, et al. Predicting student science achievement using post- unit assessment performances in a coherent high school chemistry project-based learning system. Journal of research in science teaching, 2023.