Effectiveness of Project-Based Learning on Achievement in Basic Science among Private and Public Junior Secondary School Students: Implications for Evaluator

Abstract

Project-based learning is a learner-centred teaching methodology that allows students to acquire key knowledge and skills through the development of projects that respond to real-life problems. Project-based learning has fast gained its popularity and benefits in Western climes, as one of the 21st century revolutionised teaching method. This study investigated the effectiveness of project-Based Learning (PBL) on students’ achievement in basic science in public and private junior secondary schools in Ikeja Local Government Area of Lagos State. Quasi-experimental research design was used multi-stage sampling technique was used   to select two hundred (200) junior secondary school students from four schools (two public and two private schools). Two research instruments were used for data collection: a self-constructed questionnaire titled: Effectiveness of Project-Based Learning on Students’ Achievement in Basic Science” (EPBLSABS), and Basic Science Achievement tests (BSAT). Three hypotheses were tested to guide the study at 0.05 level of significance. Findings from the study revealed that project-based learning (PBL) exerted a marked significant difference between the academic achievement of students taught Basic Science using project-based learning and those taught using traditional methods in both public and private junior secondary schools. Based on these findings, it was recommended that School teachers should ensure that they get up-to-date skills set on best practices of using project-based learning (PBL) in order to impart knowledge in Basic Science on their students. Also, school administrators, should take proper scrutiny of teachers to ensure that emphasizes and inclusion of project-based learning (PBL) techniques in their teaching lesson plans for robust learning of their students.

Keywords: Effectiveness, Project-based Learning, Achievement, Students.