The Impact of the Project-Based Learning Strategy on Leadership Skills Acquisition among Palestinian Refugees Students in Gaza

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating the effectiveness of the project-based learning strategy on developing third graders' leadership skills. The research questions were addressed using the experimental approach. The researchers purposively sampled 76 third graders from Al Zaitun Co-ed Elementary C School in Gaza and randomly sampled two classes of third graders. Participants were divided into two equivalent groups, each consisting of 38 students. The project-based learning strategy was used for teaching English to the experimental group, whereas the traditional method was used for the control group. The study tool consisted of an observation card on which the student's leadership skills were rated pre- and post-application. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Independent samples t-test and effect size were used in the analysis. Results revealed higher mean scores in leadership skills for the experimental group in the post-application observation card. The researchers attributed these findings to the project-based learning strategy and recommend its use in teaching English to develop leadership skills. Further research is needed to investigate the effect of other project-based learning strategies on other grade levels and life skills.