Using project-based learning in an environmental education course and revealing students’ experiences: A case study

Abstract

Effective environmental education can contribute to the preservation of the natural world. It is difficult to give effective environmental education to students who are passive in the lessons. The traditional method of teaching boring too many students, which results in passive learning. Project-Based Learning (PjBL) presents students with a more pertinent and efficient learning environment that provides hands-on, practical, and interesting possibilities. This study is aimed to understand the student experiences in the course of environmental education using PjBL. Data about students’ PjBL experiences were collected from undergraduate prospective elementary education students through an end-of-semester survey consisting of open-ended questions. Students’ responses were examined using qualitative content analysis. Student responses revealed that PjBL creates an active learning environment and fosters students’ cognitive outcomes (knowledge) and behavioral outcomes (awareness). The findings offer insights into the course of environmental education which is using PjBL.