Effects of Implementing Project-Based Learning on the Retention of Math

Concepts and Attitude Towards Math.

Sarah Ahn(Saint Louis, MO)

Buffalo State, SUNYSpring, 2015

Action Research

Project-Based Learning in

math?

Project-Based Learning in science?Project-Based Learning in social studies?

Research Question:Would implementing Project-Based Learning in math improve students’ attitude and learning in math?

What does research say?

PBL improves student’s performance.(Heyl, 2008), but not always (Filippatou & Kaldi, 2010)

PBL improves student’s attitude in math (Heyl, 2008), but not always (Wade, 2013)

PBL helps students make connection of real-world and math (Wade, 2010)

What did I do?

Unit 1 Project-Based Learning

Unit 2Traditional Lecture

Sample *These are NOT my students.

Mixed abilities

Mixed gender

Private School

Suburban St. Louis, MO

Instrumentation & Data Collection

*These are NOT my students.

Pre-Test

Post-Test

Math Attitude Survey

Threats to Validity

Spring Break

Differing subjects

Familiarity

Results for math attitude

Results for content retention

Thoughts

NEGATIVES

POSITIVES

What Next?

VS

ReferencesFilippatou, D., Kaldi, S. (2010). The effectiveness of Project-Based Learning on pupils with learning difficulties regarding academic performance, group work and motivation. International Journal of Special Education, Vol. 25, No. 1 (2010). Retrieved from http://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ890562

ReferencesHeyl, A., (2008). Fostering engagement for students

from low-socioeconomic status backgrounds using project-based mathematics. (Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Science in Education). Dominican University of California, San Rafael, CA. Retrieved from http://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED501239

ReferencesWade, A. M., (2010). Impacting students attitudes toward

mathematics through Project-Based Learning: A multiple intelligence based approach. Providence College, Providence, RI. Retrieved from http://digitalcommons.providence.edu/student_scholarship/22/