ENHANCING 21ST CENTURY SKILLS THROUGH INTEGRATED STEM EDUCATION USING PROJECT-ORIENTED PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING

Abstract

In the pursuit of comprehensive education, the symbiotic relationship between 21st-century skills and STEM is crucial. These two domains work hand in hand to equip students with the knowledge and abilities required to thrive as productive and technically literate citizens in the future. This study assessed the impact of an integrated STEM education program on students' 21st-century skills using Project-Oriented Problem-Based Learning (PoPBL) as the core pedagogical approach. A onegroup quasi-experimental design and survey methodology were employed to evaluate students' skills before and after participating in the program. The findings showed a significant increase in students' overall 21st-century skills, with high productivity skills notably improving from moderate to high proficiency. These results provide compelling evidence that PoPBL in STEM education effectively enhances students' skills by immersing them in authentic, real-life problem-solving experiences through project work. The study emphasizes the value of integrating PoPBL into STEM education to enhance critical skills such as problemsolving, creative thinking, collaboration, and effective communication. By engaging in practical, project-based activities, students not only apply their knowledge but also develop competencies to address complex challenges in their future endeavors.