Using Project-Based Learning in Elementary Mathematics Instruction
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V1E6/2025-12Keywords:
Project-based learning; elementary mathematics; mathematical competence; instructional designAbstract
In the context of competency-based educational reform, the adoption of active instructional approaches in elementary mathematics has become increasingly essential. This study explores the application of project-based learning (PBL) in the design of mathematics instruction for elementary students through a four-step process: goal identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation. First, learning objectives are defined in alignment with curriculum requirements and students’ cognitive characteristics. Second, project plans are developed by designing meaningful tasks, organizing collaborative learning activities, and specifying expected learning products. Third, students engage in project implementation by collaboratively addressing real-world problems and applying mathematical knowledge under teacher guidance. Finally, learning outcomes are evaluated through both process- and product-oriented assessment, integrating teacher assessment, self-assessment, and peer assessment. The findings suggest that implementing PBL through a structured four-step process enhances student engagement and supports the development of mathematical competence, problem-solving skills, collaboration, and the ability to apply mathematics in authentic contexts.
References
1) Beineke, J. A. (1998). And There Were Giants in the Land. The life of William Heard Kilpatrick . New York, Peter Lang.
2) Bilgin. I, Karakuyu. Y, Yusuf Ay. (2015). The Effects of Project Based Learning on Undergraduate Students’ Achievement and Self-Efficacy Beliefs Towards Science Teaching. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education. EURASIA J Math Sci Tech Ed, Volume 11, Issue 3, 469-477. https://doi.org/10.12973/eurasia.2014.1015a
3) Campbell, J. (1995). Understanding John Dewey. Nature and cooperative intelligence. Chicago and La Salle, IL, Open Court.
4) Harasym, H. P., Tsai, T. C., & Munshi, F. M. (2013). Is problem-based learning an ideal format for developing ethical decision skills? Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences, 29(9), 505– 511. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kjms.2013.05.006
5) Jacques L.A. (2017). What does project-based learning (PBL) look like in the mathematics classroom. American Journal of Educational Research, 5(4): 428–433. https://doi.org/10.12691/education- 5-4-11.
6) Kilpatrick, W. H. (1918). The Project Method. Teachers College Record.
7) Krajcik JS, Shin N. Project-Based Learning. In: Sawyer RK, ed. The Cambridge Handbook of the Learning Sciences. Cambridge Handbooks in Psychology. Cambridge University Press; 2014:275-297.
8) Kurt, G., & Akoglu, K. (2023). Project-based learning in science education: A comprehensive literature review. Interdisciplinary Journal of Environmental and Science Education, 19(3), e2311. https://doi.org/10.29333/ijese/13677
9) Ministry of Education and Training. (2018). General education program with experiential activities and experiential and career guidance activities, issued together with Circular No. 32/2018/TT-BGDDT dated December 26, 2018 of the Minister of Education and Training.
10) Nguyen, Huu. Hop. (2018). Designing lessons to develop primary students’ competencies. Hanoi: Vietnam National University of Education Publishing House.
11) Pedersen, S., & Hobye, M. (2020). Implications of assessing student-driven projects: A case study of possible challenges and an argument for re exivity. Education Sciences, 10(1), 19. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci10010019
12) Schmidt H. G, Rotgans J. I & Yew E. H. J. (2011). The process of problem-based learning: What works and why. Medical Education, 45(8):792–806. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2923.2011.04035.
13) Sutinen, A. (2013). Two project methods: Preliminary observations on the similarities and differences between William Heard Kilpatrick’s project method and John Dewey’s problem-solving method. Educational Philosophy and Theory, 45(10):1040–1053. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469- 5812.2011.00772.
14) Tenenbaum, S. (1951). William Heard Kilpatrick: Trail blazer in education . New York, Harper & Brothers.
15) Thomas, J. W. (2000). A review of research on project-based learning. Autodesk.
16) Wilhelm, J, Sherrod, S & Walters, K. (2008). Project-based learning enviroments: Challenging perservice to act in the moment. The Journal of Educational Research, 101(4):220–233. https://doi.org/10.3200/JOER.101.4.220-233
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Doan Thi My Linh (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
