Literature has documented the benefits of problem-based learning (PBL), but also shown significant barriers to using PBL in K-12 education. Yet, the research describing why and how K-12 teachers implement PBL is insufficient. In this qualitative study, using semi-structured interviews, we investigate why 25 middle school teachers chose to…

This study examined how 465 socioeconomically disadvantaged middle school students used a multimedia-enriched problem-based learning (PBL) program. Using a mixed-methods design, we investigated the impact of PBL on students' performance, and relationship among students' self-efficacy, attitude toward science, and performance. The findings showed…

To understand how learner metacognition and goal orientation affect learner problem-solving in a Serious Game (SG) environment, this study examined 12 undergraduate students' metacognition, goal orientations, and problem-solving performances and processes while playing a SG that adopts problem-based learning pedagogy to teach space science.…

This mixed-method study introduced an adaptive scaffolding system to support middle school science problem-based learning (PBL) activities. 298 6th-graders were grouped into three conditions, which are the adaptive scaffolding group, the non-adaptive scaffolding group, and a control group that did not receive any scaffoldings. Results showed that…