Pre-Service Teachers’ Experiences and Views on Project-Based Learning Processes

Abstract

Project-based learning (PjBL) has been promoted as an effective and frequently used student-centered learning approach for various learning environments. To have various learning experiences with PjBL is an important requirement for pre-service teachers (PSTs). The purpose of the study was to investigate the experiences PSTs had with group work and collaboration, resources and research methods, the problems they faced, and the strategies they used to overcome these problems during the information and communications technology (ICT)-integrated PjBL process, as well as their thoughts concerning learning processes in PjBL. The participants in the study consisted of 413 PSTs in six different teaching programs who took the course Computer 2. Qualitative methods were used in this descriptive study. The results revealed that PSTs perceived the PjBL processes mostly positively and also that they thought the PjBL process contributed to their learning and helped them gain PjBL skills. PSTs formed groups based on their own preferences. PSTs perceived that the PjBL process based on group work that was implemented advanced their problem-solving and collaboration skills.