RESEARCH MATRIX 1

Curriculum Change Plan: Part 1 - Research Matrix

ENHANCING STEM CURRICULUM THROUGH PROJECT-BASED LEARNING IN

MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS

Claudenane Martin-Watkis

School of Education, Liberty University

Author Note

Claudenane Martin-Watkis

I have no known conflict of interest to disclose.

Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Claudenane Martin-

Watkis

Email: [email protected]
RESEARCH MATRIX 2

Curriculum Change Plan: Part 1 - Research Matrix

Curriculum Change Plan Proposed Topic:
Enhancing STEM Curriculum through Project-Based Learning in Middle and High
Schools
RESOURCE #1 Han, S., Yalvac, B., Capraro, M. M., & Capraro, R. M. (2018).
In-service teachers' implementation and understanding of
1. Title, Year STEM project-based learning. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics,
Science and Technology Education, 14(1), 1-
13. https://doi.org/10.12973/ejmste/79329
2. Theoretical Framework This is based on constructivist learning theory, which supports
active, problem based, authentic learning where the students are
the center of the entire learning process.
3. Research Question(s) What are the strategies used by in-service teachers for STEM
project-based learning (PBL) instruction?
What challenges do teachers encounter when attempting to
incorporate project-based learning (PBL) into STEM courses?

4. Methodology and This study employed qualitative case study design that
Results comprised teacher interviews and classroom observation of the
in-service teachers. The results showed that teachers who were
applying PBL reported having more active students with better
critical thinking skills. On the contrary, time limitations and
inadequate training for the practices of PBL were some of the
reported difficulties.
5. Locator Information: Accessed through the Jerry Falwell
Provide the URL to the Library. https://doi.org/10.12973/ejmste/79329
resource or a description
of the resource.
6. Curriculum Change This resource makes clear the direct application of PBL to
Plan Applications: STEM classrooms, and stresses the support and training
Explain the application to required from teachers, which can be used in the professional
your curriculum change development activities within the curriculum change plan.
plan topic. Relate to
specific curriculum
change plan strategies.

RESOURCE #2 Kokotsaki, D., Menzies, V., & Wiggins, A. (2018). Project-

based learning: A review of the literature. Improving Schools,
1. Title, Year 21(3), 267-277. https://doi.org/10.1177/1365480218796764

2. Theoretical Framework The study uses the experiential learning theory, which focuses
on learning from reflection on doing.
3. Research Question(s) What is the most important advantageous outcome of project
RESEARCH MATRIX 3

based learning on students?

In what ways does PBL influence student motivation and
participation in STEM courses?

4. Methodology and The authors performed systematic literature review of PBL

Results studies. The review results concluded that PBL positively
influences student motivation and collaboration and problem
solving abilities. Also, students in PBL settings showed greater
understanding of STEM topics.
5. Locator Information: Access through Jerry Falwell Library database.
Provide the URL to the URL: https://doi.org/10.1177/1365480218796764
resource or a description
of the resource.
6. Curriculum Change This document advocates the use PBL in STEM subjects as it
Plan Applications: demonstrates positive student engagement and learning
Explain the application to outcomes. It presents strategies for creating PBL activities that
your curriculum change meet middle and high school STEM educational standards.
plan topic. Relate to
specific curriculum
change plan strategies.

RESOURCE #3 Holmes, V., Hwang, Y., & Miedijensky, S. (2019). The impact
of project-based learning on student achievement in elementary
1. Title, Year and secondary education: A meta-analysis. Educational
Research Review, 27, 1-
12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2019.02.003
2. Theoretical Framework This research is grounded with the use of meta-analysis which
combines data from various researches to achieve a
comprehensive conclusion.
3. Research Question(s) What is the impact of PBL on students academic achievement
in K-12 education as a whole?
What is the effect of PBL on students performance in STEM
subjects?

4. Methodology and The authors of the paper did a meta-analysis for twenty
Results different researches done on PBL for K-12 education. The
analysis showed a profound impact of PBL on students
academic achievement with positive results especially towards
STEM subjects. The students exposed to PBL outshined
students brought up in traditional educational systems.
5. Locator Information: Through Jerry Falwell Library database.
Provide the URL to the LINK: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2019.02.003
resource or a description
of the resource.
RESEARCH MATRIX 4

6. Curriculum Change This document serves as a substantial resource in proving the

Plan Applications: claim of PBL and its effectiveness towards achieving success in
Explain the application to STEM subjects. It will be used to support the integration of
your curriculum change PBL in the mid-level and high school STEM courses.
plan topic. Relate to
specific curriculum
change plan strategies.

RESOURCE #4 Miller, E. C., & Krajcik, J. S. (2019). Promoting deep learning

through project-based learning: A design problem. Disciplinary
1. Title, Year and Interdisciplinary Science Education Research, 1(1), 1-
10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43031-019-0009-6
2. Theoretical Framework The study focuses on how students form profound
understanding through inquiry and problem-solving within the
learning sciences framework.
3. Research Question(s) What effective strategies are there to foster deep learning in
STEM disciplines through project-based learning?
Which design principles appear to be most useful for PBL in
STEM education?

4. Methodology and The authors employed a design-based research methodology in

Results collaboration with teachers of the subjects by deconstructing
and reconstructing PBL units. As shown in the findings,
students’ understanding of STEM concepts and their
engagement in learning was heightened when PBL units
centered on authentic problems were used.
5. Locator Information: Available through Jerry Falwell Library database.
Provide the URL to the URL: https://doi.org/10.1186/s43031-019-0009-6
resource or a description
of the resource.
6. Curriculum Change It is possible to adapt the information in this source for
Plan Applications: developing PBL units that focus on deep learning in STEM
Explain the application to subjects. It can be used to develop PBL approaches for middle
your curriculum change and high school STEM courses.
plan topic. Relate to
specific curriculum
change plan strategies.

RESOURCE #5 Hasni, A., Bousadra, F., Belletête, V., Benabdallah, A., Nicole,
M., & Dumais, N. (2018). Trends in research on project-based
1. Title, Year science and technology teaching and learning at K–12 levels: A
systematic review. Studies in Science Education, 54(2), 147-
RESEARCH MATRIX 5

197. https://doi.org/10.1080/03057267.2018.1524790
2. Theoretical Framework The study is grounded in a systematic review approach that
attempts to integrate trends and outcomes from previously
conducted research.
3. Research Question(s) What are the emerging issues in research regarding PBL in
science and technology education?
What are the effects of PBL on learners’ achievement in STEM
disciplines?

4. Methodology and The authors did a systematic review of 120 studies done on
Results PBL in K-12 science and technology education. Results PBL
increases students’ motivation, problem-solving ability, and
STEM understanding. However, obstacles were teacher
professional development and curriculum integration.
5. Locator Information: Found in the Jerry Falwell Library.
Provide the URL to the URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/03057267.2018.1524790
resource or a description
of the resource.
6. Curriculum Change This document serves as a detailed summary of the state of the
Plan Applications: art in PBL research and can be used to assist design and
Explain the application to interdisciplinary STEM curricula. It notes the focus on teacher
your curriculum change professional development and curriculum integration, as
plan topic. Relate to essential elements of the curriculum change plan.
specific curriculum
change plan strategies.
RESEARCH MATRIX 6

References
Han, S., Yalvac, B., Capraro, M. M., & Capraro, R. M. (2018). In-service teachers'

implementation and understanding of STEM project-based learning. Eurasia Journal of

Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 14(1), 1-

13. https://doi.org/10.12973/ejmste/79329

Hasni, A., Bousadra, F., Belletête, V., Benabdallah, A., Nicole, M., & Dumais, N. (2018). Trends

in research on project-based science and technology teaching and learning at K–12 levels:

A systematic review. Studies in Science Education, 54(2), 147-

197. https://doi.org/10.1080/03057267.2018.1524790

Holmes, V., Hwang, Y., & Miedijensky, S. (2019). The impact of project-based learning on

student achievement in elementary and secondary education: A meta-

analysis. Educational Research Review, 27, 1-

12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2019.02.003

Kokotsaki, D., Menzies, V., & Wiggins, A. (2018). Project-based learning: A review of the

literature. Improving Schools, 21(3), 267-

277. https://doi.org/10.1177/1365480218796764

Miller, E. C., & Krajcik, J. S. (2019). Promoting deep learning through project-based learning: A

design problem. Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary Science Education Research, 1(1), 1-

10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43031-019-0009-6