Exploring Effect of Project-Based-Learning-Approach in Mathematics Education: An Empirical Study

Abstract: Project-Based Learning (PBL) is a methodology that can improve educational practice, since it offers strategies to students to learn through active and dynamic learning approaches. The objective of this work is to verify the effectiveness of the Project-Based-Learning-Approach (PBLA) methodology in the acquisition of knowledge in the subject of mathematics in secondary education and in the improvement of student knowledge-base considering the collaborative learning parameter. For this, quasi-experimental research has been used with pre-implementation and post-implementation measures, using an experimental and control group. The sample is made up of 30 of the 9th grade students. The intervention, focused on learning activities through various educational resources, presents positive results in mathematics. The differences found between the pre-test and post-test in the experimental group are statistically significant and higher than those presented in the control group, so it is concluded that students who work mathematics through the PBLA methodology integrating using collaborative learning approach achieve greater progress in their learning and are more satisfied.

Keywords: Experimental learning, Project-based-learning, Mathematics, Collaborative learning

JEL Classification Number: O22, D83, C29