Effect Of Project-Based Learning Approach on Problem-Solving Ability in Mathematics among Secondary School Students in Kebbi Metropolis, Kebbi State, Nigeria

Authors

  • JULIUS, Elizabeth Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64348/zije.2025207

Keywords:

Project-Based learning, Mathematics, students

Abstract

Mathematics problem-solving skills is a vital component of 21st-century learning; however, many students face challenges due to lack of engagement and limited real-life application of concepts. Effect of Project-Based Learning approach on Problem-solving ability in Mathematics among Secondary School Students in kebbi Metropolis, Kebbi State. A quasi-experimental design was employed, involving some selected secondary schools within Kebbi metropolis, where the experimental group was exposed to PBL strategies, while the control group received traditional instruction. Data were collected using the Mathematics Problem-Solving Skills Test (MPST) and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The MPST was validated by experts in mathematics education and measurement and evaluation. Similarly, the reliability of the MPST was determined using the Kuder-Richardson 20 (KR-20) formula, where a reliability coefficient of 0.75 was achieved. The findings revealed that students taught through PBL demonstrated significantly improved problem-solving abilities compared to those in the conventional learning environment. The study concludes that project-based learning is an effective instructional method for promoting mathematical thinking and recommends its integration into the mathematics curriculum in secondary schools.

References

Awe, O. O., Love, K., and Vance, E. A. (2022). Promoting Statistical Practice and Collaboration in Developing Countries, published by CRC Press, is an imprint of Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. DOI: 10.1201/9781003261148 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003261148

Bell, S. (2010). Project-Based Learning for the 21st Century: Skills for the Future. The Clearing House, 83(2), 39–43. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00098650903505415

Brown, V. (2021). Project-Based Learning Versus Traditional Instruction: The Effect on Fifth Grade Students’ Social Studies Scores. A PhD Dissertation Submitted to Liberty University

Carter, M. (2024) A Quasi-Experimental Study Looking at the Effect of Project-Based Learning on Sixth-Grade Students’ Self-Concept. A PhD Dissertation Submitted to Liberty University

Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (5th ed.). Sage publications.

Erbasan, E. and Çakıroğlu, E. (2022) Investigating middle school mathematics teachers’ views on innovative learning activities. Twelfth Congress of the European Society for Research in Mathematics Education (CERME12), Bozen-Bolzano, Italy. ffhal-03745372f

Fariana, N. A., Kurniawati, K. R. A., Negara, H. R. P., Habibi Ratu Perwira Negara, H. R. P. and Sucipto, L. (2024) Exploration of Project-Based Learning Models in the Mathematics Curriculum to Enhance Problem-Solving Skills. International Seminar on Student Research in Education, Science, and Technology, vol. 1, 1-14. Universitas Muhammadiyah Mataram, Indonesia.

Faulkner, F. Prendergast, M. Breen, C. and Carr, M. (2020) “Measuring the mathematical problem-solving and procedural skills of students in an Irish higher education institution – a pilot study” European Journal of Science and Mathematics Education (EJSME), DOI: 10.30935/scimath/9549 DOI: https://doi.org/10.30935/scimath/9549

Jonassen, D. H. (2020). Learning to Solve Problems: A Handbook for Designing Problem-Solving Learning Environments (2nd ed.). Routledge.

Jatisunda, M. G., Suryadi, D. and Prabawanto, S. (2024) Enhancing mathematical problem-solving ability through project-based learning: A study of vocational high school students. Jurnal Elemen, 10(3), 711-727. https:/doi.org/10.29408/jel.v10i3.26244 DOI: https://doi.org/10.29408/jel.v10i3.26244

Kartini, F. S. (2020). The Implementation of STEM Project-Based Learning on Students STEM Literacy and Problem-Solving Skills (Thesis Submitted to Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia).

Kartini, F. S., Widodo, A., Winarno, N. and Astuti, L. (2021) Promoting a Student's Problem-Solving Skills through STEM Project-Based Learning in Earth Layer and Disasters Topic. Journal of Science Learning. 4(3). 257-266. DOI: 10.17509/jsl.v4i3.27555 DOI: https://doi.org/10.17509/jsl.v4i3.27555

Krajcik, J., & Shin, N. (2021). Project-Based Learning: An Overview of the Field. In International Handbook of Inquiry and Learning (pp. 85–101). Routledge.

Kokotsaki, D., Menzies, V., & Wiggins, A. (2022). Project-based learning: A review of the literature. Improving Schools, 19(3), 267–277. https://doi.org/10.1177/1365480216659733 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1365480216659733

Musa, F., Mufti, N., Latiff, R. A., & Amin, M. M. (2012). Project-based learning (PBL): Improving critical thinking among students. International Journal of Learning and Development, 2(6), 1-17. https://doi.org/10.5296/ijld.v2i6.2587

Norhakim, M., Izrah, N., & Subaryo. (2024). Enhancing Mathematical Competencies in TVET: Lessons from Engineering Staff in Malaysian Manufacturing Sectors. Symmetry: Pasundan Journal of Research in Mathematics Learning and Education. 9(2), hlm. 277-286

Nonyelum, D. N., Ogugua, K. K. & Abah, J. A. (2022). Influence of Student-Teacher Relationship on the Academic Performance of Junior Secondary School Students in Mathematics in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. VillageMath Educational Review (VER), 3(1), 26-52. https://ngsme.villagemath.net/journals/ver/v3i1/nonyelum-ogugua-abah.

Obaniyi, K.S., Aremu, C.O., Adedapo, O.A., Wale, A.J. & Alade B.T. (2023) Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development of Agriculture as a Strategy of Rural Development in Rural Areas. Proceedings of the 6th Covenant University International Conference on Entrepreneurship (CU-ICE) 2023

Putriyani, S., Djafar, S., and Nurwijaya, S. (2023) Developing Students’ Entrepreneurship Competencies through Problem and Project-Based Learning Model. EDUMASPUL Jurnal Pendidikan Vol. 7 No. 2, 3923-3930 DOI: https://doi.org/10.33487/edumaspul.v7i2.7067

Polya, G. (1945). How to Solve It: A New Aspect of Mathematical Method. Princeton University Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/9781400828678

Polya, G. (2021). How to Solve It: A New Aspect of Mathematical Method. Princeton University Press.

Shandy, N. A. D., Sucipto, L., Kurniawati, K. R. A., Negara, H. R. P., Habibi Ratu Perwira and Negara, H. R. P. (2024) Implementation of Problem-Based Learning to Enhance Critical Thinking Skills in Mathematics. International Seminar on Student Research in Education, Science, and Technology, vol. 1, 287-297. Universitas Islam Negeri Mataram, Indonesia.

Suharsono, N., Hidayat, R., Zen, F., Rusman, D., and Permansah, S. (2025) Evaluating pedagogical approaches in business education: a comparative analysis. Journal of Education and Learning (EduLearn). Vol. 19, No. 2, pp. 616~625, DOI: 10.11591/edulearn.v19i2.21819 DOI: https://doi.org/10.11591/edulearn.v19i2.21819

Sweet, H. (2024). Students Achievement Through Project-Based Learning (Thesis, Concordia University St. Paul). Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.csp/teachereduaction_masters.

Tadesse, T., & Gillies, R. M. (2020). Nurturing Critical Thinking through Problem-Based Learning. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 38, 100711. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2020.100711

Yulianto, D., Umami, M.R., Anwar, S., Juniawan, E.A., & Junaedi, Y. (2024). The influence of project-based mathematics learning on 21st-century skills (4C’s) considering students' learning styles and teachers' instructional methods. AXIOM : Jurnal Pendidikan dan Matematika, 13(2), 153-179. https://doi.org/10.30821/axiom.v13i2.19787 DOI: https://doi.org/10.30821/axiom.v13i2.19787

Downloads

Published

2025-12-10

How to Cite

Effect Of Project-Based Learning Approach on Problem-Solving Ability in Mathematics among Secondary School Students in Kebbi Metropolis, Kebbi State, Nigeria . (2025). Federal University Gusau Faculty of Education Journal, 2(3), 237-246. https://doi.org/10.64348/zije.2025207