The praxis of project-based learning at PIKA Vocational Secondary School Semarang

Abstract

The aims of this study is to find out the praxis of project-based learning at PIKA Vocational Secondary School Semarang and to identify the advantages and the disadvantages. The design of this research is qualitative case study. The data collection techniques were in-depth interview, participant observation, and document analysis. The informants of this study were: principal, viceprincipal, teachers, employees, and students. The results of this study showed that: (1) there were two patterns of project-based learning at PIKA VSS Semarang. The first pattern was learning for internal internship program and the second was learning productive practice program. (2) The advantages of project-based learning were: (a) it trained the students’ sense of entrepreneurship; (b) it developed’ learning motivation; (c) it gave a complete, real and contextual learning experience; and (d) it developed the students’hardskills and softskills. The disadvantages of Project-based Learning were: (a) it required the acquisition competencies to perform project assignments; (b) it took times; (c) it required high operational costs; (d) it required adequate facilities.