Article Gold Open Access 2025

Enhancing preservice teachers’ collaborative problem solving through STEM project-based learning

International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education
Journal · Vol. 14 · Issue 3 · pp. 2278-2289
Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effect of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics project-based learning (STEM-PjBL) on the collaborative problem solving (CPS) of preservice teachers (PSTs). The pretest-posttest non-equivalent control group design was employed. A total of 72 PSTs enrolled in plant physiology course participated in this study. Self-assessment and project were used to evaluate PSTs’ CPS skills. Self-assessment scores were analyzed by analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), while project scores were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney U test. The results of self-assessment indicated that STEM-PjBL enhances CPS skills, particularly in social regulation, task regulation, and knowledge building. The results of the team’s problem-solving skills in completing the project did not differ between the two groups. But the result of integrated STEM skills showed that the STEM-PjBL group was better at integrating STEM disciplines into their project. This study highlights the importance of interdisciplinary projects in a PjBL environment that can be adopted by teacher preparation programs for enhancing PSTs’ CPS skills as well as gaining knowledge of STEM integration. © 2025 Institute of Advanced Engineering and Science.

Keywords

Author Keywords

Project-Based Learning Preservice teachers STEM education Collaborative problem solving Teaching collaboration

Index Keywords

Author Affiliations
Department of Biology, Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang, East Java, Indonesia
Department of Biology, Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang, East Java, Indonesia, Department of Biology Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Tasikmalaya, Indonesia
Funding & Acknowledgements
Kementerian Pendidikan, Kebudayaan, Riset, dan Teknologi, MECRT
Grant: 2.6.48/UN32.20.1/LT/2022
This work was supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Republic of Indonesia which provided funding for the present work under Grant No. 2.6.48/UN32.20.1/LT/2022.
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