We articulate a framework for delineating student thinking in active, STEM-rich learning environments. Researchers have identified ways of reasoning that relate to specific content areas and practices within each of the STEM disciplines. However, attempts at characterizing student thinking in transdisciplinary STEM environments remains in its…

This study compares direct instruction to two constructivist approaches, namely experimentation and problem-based learning, in fifth-grade science learning in Hong Kong. Constructivist instructional approaches, contrary to direct instruction, stress on students' active role in constructing knowledge in learning. Experimentation and problem-based…

Purpose: This paper aims to describe the statistical arguments produced by third-grade students (8-9 years old) and to identify the teaching support for collective argumentation in a lesson based on data comparison. A Lesson Study Group researched and planned the lesson around a problem from the official mathematics textbook.…

Educators and policymakers advocate for the implementation of problem-based approaches to STEM education in K-12 classrooms to help students develop 21st-century skills such as the ability to think critically, collaborate, and problem-solve. The first exploratory case study in this three-article dissertation examines how students engage in…

This study explored using video self-analysis as a practice to help teachers identify effective problem-based learning (PBL) instruction and identify areas for their professional growth. Five seventh-grade teachers in the United States who varied in age, gender, ethnicity, and years of experience video-recorded their PBL instruction. Teachers then…

Many studies have verified that the effective promotion of both positive interactions among individual group members and group accountability is a critical issue in collaborative problem-based learning (CPBL). This work, therefore, proposes a group incentive mechanism (GIM) that is based on considering several important factors that influence…

Gender inequalities continue into the 21st century and STEM was a major area of emphasis. Educators need to focus on female students to build their self-efficacy and critical thinking skills. The purpose of this study was to determine if problem-based learning (PBL) improves female elementary students' self-efficacy and critical thinking skills.…

Maker education can enhance learners' creativity. Design thinking can facilitate the innovative resolution of complex problems. The design thinking literature and most maker teaching modes are limited in their promotion of learning and ability development in various dimensions. Learners have stereotypes about some professions; interventions can…

A STEM education program entitled "Come rain or shine" implemented in a primary rural school in southern Greece as part of the "Diffusion of STEM (DI-STEM)" project and the results of its implementation are presented in this paper. The educational program deepened in weather education and intended to develop eight scientific…

Controversial issues require students to analyse information critically, discuss different perspectives, and develop views on important questions. The problem-based learning model (PBL) allows learners to gain insights from various perspectives and apply the knowledge acquired to different situations. This mixed-method study aims to examine the…

This study attempted determining the impact of the problem-based learning method supported by cartoons, which are humorous elements, in fourth-grade Social Studies course on students' perceptions of their problem-solving skills and their level of achievement. Accordingly, the study is quasi-experimental and has a pre-test post-test unequalled…

This study investigates the impact of the problem-based learning (PBL) model on middle school students' environmental literacy and problem-solving skills. A quantitative research study was conducted using a quasi-experimental design for this aim. The sample comprises 114 8th-grade students from a public middle school in Sanliurfa, Turkey. Four…

This study aims to examine preferences of teachers for curriculum design approaches in terms of various variables. In this study, the relational survey model, one of the quantitative research methods, was used. The population of the study consists of branch teachers working in all types and levels in public schools in the central districts of a…

The purposes of the current study include: (1) to examine the effect of integrated problem-based learning and Think-Pair-Share technique on the development of grade 8 students' analytical thinking; and (2) to examine the effect of integrated problem-based learning and Think-Pair-Share technique on the development of grade 8 students' science…

Problem-Based Learning (or PBL) is a teaching style that pairs beautifully with science and social studies. PBL allows students to drive their learning, providing autonomy to choose topics or issues that interest them. It scaffolds the development of desirable 21st century skills: collaboration, critical thinking, communication, creativity,…