RESEARCH PAPER
The perceived impact of PBL program learning on shifting prospective teachers’ beliefs: A case study in China
,
 
 
 
 
More details
Hide details
1
Mathematics and Science College, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, CHINA
 
2
Faculty of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, CHINA
 
 
Publication date: 2022-12-08
 
 
EURASIA J. Math., Sci Tech. Ed 2022;18(12):em2195
 
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
As an important approach to learning and teaching, project-based learning (PBL) addressed in new curriculum reform at the middle school level in China raises the need for change in teachers’ beliefs, since teachers’ beliefs are important factors that influence their acceptance, adaptation, and implementation of PBL. Using qualitative content analysis, this study examined 23 prospective teachers’ (PTs) perceived beliefs shifts through participating in a systematic PBL program at a university. Data were collected from two open questionnaires for pre- and post-tests, respectively, which were about the beliefs about the nature of mathematics (BNM), beliefs about learning mathematics (BLM), and beliefs about teaching mathematics (BTM). The results revealed that PTs’ beliefs about BNM, BLM, and BTM were significantly shifted from the instrumentalist view or the Platonist view to the problem-solving view and that their shifts in BNM positively influenced the shifts in BLM and BTM. The implication for teachers’ professional development is that transforming teachers’ beliefs through systematic training on the theory and practice of PBL is feasible before implementing pedagogical innovations featuring PBL on a large scale.
 
REFERENCES (85)
1.
Ambrose, R. (2004). Initiating change in prospective elementary school teachers’ orientations to mathematics teaching by building on beliefs. Journal of Mathematics Teacher Education, 7(2), 91-119. https://doi.org/10.1023/B:JMTE....
 
2.
Balemen, N., & Keskin, M. O. (2018). The effectiveness of project-based learning on science education: A meta-analysis search. International Online Journal of Education and Teaching, 5(4), 849-865.
 
3.
Ball, D. L., & Cohen, D. K. (1996). Reform by the book: What is–or might be–the role of curriculum materials in teacher learning and instructional reform? Educational Researcher, 25(9), 6-14. https://doi.org/10.3102/001318....
 
4.
Baran, M., & Maskan, A. (2011). The effect of project-based learning on pre-service physics teachers electrostatic achievements. Cypriot Journal of Educational Sciences, 5(4), 243-257.
 
5.
Baron, L. M. (2015). “True to myself”: Transforming secondary mathematics teachers’ beliefs and practices. International Journal of Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology, 3(3), 193-218. https://doi.org/10.18404/ijems....
 
6.
Bernack-Schüler, C., Leuders, T., & Holzäpfel, L. (2015). Understanding pre-service teachers’ belief change during a problem solving course. In C. Bernack-Schüler, R. Erens, T. Leuders, & A. Eichler (Eds.), Views and beliefs in mathematics education (pp. 81-93). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-....
 
7.
Beswick, K. (2005). The beliefs/practice connection in broadly defined contexts. Mathematics Education Research Journal, 17(2), 39-68. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF0321....
 
8.
Beswick, K. (2012). Teachers’ beliefs about school mathematics and mathematicians’ mathematics and their relationship to practice. Educational Studies in Mathematics, 79(1), 127-147. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10649....
 
9.
Bilgin, I., Karakuyu, Y., & Ay, Y. (2015). The effects of project based learning on undergraduate students’ achievement and self-efficacy beliefs towards science teaching. EURASIA Journal of Mathematics Science and Technology Education, 11(3), 469-477. https://doi.org/10.12973/euras....
 
10.
Blömeke, S., & Kaiser, G. (2014). Theoretical framework, study design and main results of TEDS-M. In S. Blömeke, F. J. Hsieh, G. Kaiser, & W. Schmidt (Eds.), International perspectives on teacher knowledge, beliefs, and opportunities to learn (pp. 19-47). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94....
 
11.
Blumenfeld, P. C., Soloway, E., Marx, R. W., Krajcik, J. S., Guzdial, M., & Palincsar, A. (1991). Motivating project-based learning: Sustaining the doing, supporting the learning. Educational Psychologist, 26(3-4), 369-398. https://doi.org/10.1080/004615....
 
12.
Cai, J. (2004). Why do U.S. and Chinese students think differently in mathematical problem solving?: Impact of early algebra learning and teachers’ beliefs. The Journal of Mathematical Behavior, 23(2), 135-167. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0732-....
 
13.
Cai, J., & Jiang, C. (2017). An analysis of problem-posing tasks in Chinese and US elementary mathematics textbooks. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 15(8), 1521-1540. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763....
 
14.
Capraro, R. M., Capraro, M. M., Scheurich, J. J., Jones, M., Morgan, J., Huggins, K. S., Corlu, S., Younes, R., & Han, S. (2016). Impact of sustained professional development in STEM on outcome measures in a diverse urban district. The Journal of Educational Research, 109(2), 181-196. https://doi.org/10.1080/002206....
 
15.
Charmaz, K. (2006). Constructing grounded theory: A practical guide through qualitative analysis. SAGE.
 
16.
Chen, C. H. (2008). Why do teachers not practice what they believe regarding technology integration? The Journal of Educational Research, 102(1), 65-75. https://doi.org/10.3200/JOER.1....
 
17.
Chen, C. H., & Yang, Y. C. (2019). Revisiting the effects of project-based learning on students’ academic achievement: A meta-analysis investigating moderators. Educational Research Review, 26, 71-81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edur....
 
18.
China Ministry of Education. (2022). Mathematics curriculum standards for compulsory education (2022 edition). Beijing Normal University Press.
 
19.
Chu, S. K. W., Tse, S. K., & Chow, K. (2011). Using collaborative teaching and inquiry project-based learning to help primary school students develop information literacy and information skills. Library & Information Science Research, 33(2), 132-143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lisr....
 
20.
Cobb, P., & Steffe, L. (1983). The constructivist researcher as teacher and model builder. Journal for Research in Mathematics Education, 14, 83-94. https://doi.org/10.5951/jresem....
 
21.
Cooney, T., Shealy, B., & Arvold, B. (1998). Conceptualizing belief structures preservice teachers secondary mathematics teachers. Journal of Research in Mathematics Education, 29(3), 306-333. https://doi.org/10.5951/jresem....
 
22.
Cross, D. I. (2009). Alignment, cohesion, and change: Examining mathematics teachers’ belief structures and their influence on instructional practices. Journal of Mathematics Teacher Education, 12(5), 325-346. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10857....
 
23.
Dag, F., & Durdu, L. (2017). Pre-service teachers’ experiences and views on project-based learning processes. International Education Studies, 10(7), 18-39. https://doi.org/10.5539/ies.v1....
 
24.
Dionne, J. J. (1984). The perception of mathematics among elementary school teachers [Paper presentation]. The 6th Conference of the North American Chapter of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education.
 
25.
Duke, N. K., Halvorsen, A. L., Strachan, S. L., Kim, J., & Konstantopoulos, S. (2021). Putting PjBL to the test: The impact of project-based learning on second graders’ social studies and literacy learning and motivation in low-SES school settings. American Educational Research Journal, 58(1), 160-200. https://doi.org/10.3102/000283....
 
26.
Empson, S. B., & Junk, D. L. (2004). Teachers’ knowledge of children’s mathematics after implementing a student-centered curriculum. Journal of Mathematics Teacher Education, 7(2), 121-144. https://doi.org/10.1023/B:JMTE....
 
27.
Engeln, K., Euler, M., & Maass, K. (2013). Inquiry-based learning in mathematics and science: A comparative baseline study of teachers’ beliefs and practices across 12 European countries. ZDM, 45(6), 823-836. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11858....
 
28.
Erdogan, N., Navruz, B., Younes, R., & Capraro, R. M. (2016). Viewing how STEM project-based learning influences students’ science achievement through the implementation lens: A latent growth modeling. EURASIA Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 12(8), 2139-2154. https://doi.org/10.12973/euras....
 
29.
Ernest, P. (1989). The impact of beliefs on the teaching of mathematics. In P. Ernest (Ed.), Mathematics teaching: The state of the art (pp. 249-253). Falmer.
 
30.
Ferreira, M. M., & Trudel, A. R. (2012). The impact of problem-based learning (PBL) on student attitudes toward science, problem-solving skills, and sense of community in the classroom. Journal of Classroom Interaction, 47(1), 23-30.
 
31.
Friedrichsen, P. J., Abell, S. K., Pareja, E. M., Brown, P. L., Lankford, D. M., & Volkmann, M. J. (2009). Does teaching experience matter? Examining biology teachers’ prior knowledge for teaching in an alternative certification program. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 46(4), 357-383. https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.20....
 
32.
Guo, Y., Silver, E. A., & Yang, Z. (2018). The latest characteristics of mathematics education reform of compulsory education stage in China. American Journal of Educational Research, 6(9), 1312-1317. https://doi.org/10.12691/educa....
 
33.
Han, S., Capraro, R., & Capraro, M. M. (2015a). How science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) project-based learning (PBL) affects high, middle, and low achievers differently: The impact of student factors on achievement. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 13(5), 1089-1113. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763....
 
34.
Han, S., Yalvac, B., Capraro, M. M., & Capraro, R. M. (2015b). In-service teachers’ implementation and understanding of STEM project based learning. EURASIA Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 11(1), 63-76. https://doi.org/10.12973/euras....
 
35.
Harris, C. J., Penuel, W. R., D’Angelo, C. M., DeBarger, A. H., Gallagher, L. P., Kennedy, C. A., Cheng, B. H., & Krajcik, J. S. (2015). Impact of project-based curriculum materials on student learning in science: Results of a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 52(10), 1362-1385. https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.21....
 
36.
Holmes, V. L., & Hwang, Y. (2016). Exploring the effects of project-based learning in secondary mathematics education. The Journal of Educational Research, 109(5), 449-463. https://doi.org/10.1080/002206....
 
37.
Isikoglu, N., Basturk, R., & Karaca, F. (2009). Assessing in-service teachers’ instructional beliefs about student-centered education: A Turkish perspective. Teaching and Teacher Education, 25(2), 350-356. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate....
 
38.
Jao, L. (2017). Shifting pre-service teachers’ beliefs about mathematics teaching: The contextual situation of a mathematics methods course. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 15(5), 895-914. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763....
 
39.
Karacalli, S., & Korur, F. (2014). The effects of project-based learning on students’ academic achievement, attitude, and retention of knowledge: The subject of “electricity in our lives”. School Science and Mathematics, 114(5), 224-235. https://doi.org/10.1111/ssm.12....
 
40.
Korstjens, I., & Moser, A. (2018). Series: Practical guidance to qualitative research. Part 4: Trustworthiness and publishing. European Journal of General Practice, 24(1), 120-124. https://doi.org/10.1080/138147....
 
41.
Krajcik, J., McNeill, K. L., & Reiser, B. J. (2008). Learning-goals-driven design model: Developing curriculum materials that align with national standards and incorporate project-based pedagogy. Science Education, 92(1), 1-32. https://doi.org/10.1002/sce.20....
 
42.
Kuhs, T., & Ball, D. (1986). Approaches to teaching mathematics: Mapping the domains of knowledge, skills, and dispositions. National Center for Research on Teacher Education, Michigan State University.
 
43.
Kutaka, T. S., Smith, W. M., & Albano, A. D. (2018). Differences in beliefs and knowledge for teaching mathematics: An international study of future teachers. In M. Tatto, M. Rodriguez, W. Smith, M. Reckase, & K. Bankov (Eds.), Exploring the mathematical education of teachers using TEDS-M data (pp. 349-378). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-....
 
44.
Lam, S. F., Cheng, R. W. Y., & Choy, H. C. (2010). School support and teacher motivation to implement project-based learning. Learning and Instruction, 20(6), 487-497. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lear....
 
45.
Lavy, I., & Shriki, A. (2008). Investigating changes in prospective teachers’ views of a ‘good teacher’ while engaging in computerized project-based learning. Journal of Mathematics Teacher Education, 11(4), 259-284. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10857....
 
46.
Leatham, K. R. (2006). Viewing mathematics teachers’ beliefs as sensible systems. Journal of Mathematics Teacher Education, 9(1), 91-102. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10857....
 
47.
Li, X., Song, N., Hwang, S., & Cai, J. (2020). Learning to teach mathematics through problem posing: Teachers’ beliefs and performance on problem posing. Educational Studies in Mathematics, 105(3), 325-347. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10649....
 
48.
Lindblom-Ylanne, S., Trigwell, K., Nevgi, A., & Ashwin, P. (2006). How approaches to teaching are affected by discipline and teaching context. Studies in Higher Education, 31(3), 285-298. https://doi.org/10.1080/030750....
 
49.
Lloyd, G. (2002). Mathematics teachers’ beliefs and experiences with innovative curriculum materials. In G. C. Leder, E. Pehkonen, & G. Törner (Eds.), Beliefs: A hidden variable in mathematics education? (pp. 149-159). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-306-....
 
50.
Markula, A., & Aksela, M. (2022). The key characteristics of project-based learning: How teachers implement projects in K-12 science education. Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary Science Education Research, 4(1), 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43031....
 
51.
Marshall, J. C., Horton, R., Igo, B. L., & Switzer, D. M. (2009). K-12 science and mathematics teachers’ beliefs about and use of inquiry in the classroom. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 7(3), 575-596. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763....
 
52.
Mayring, P. (2004). Qualitative content analysis. Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 1(2), 20.
 
53.
Mentzer, G. A., Czerniak, C. M., & Brooks, L. (2017). An examination of teacher understanding of project based science as a result of participating in an extended professional development program: Implications for implementation. School Science and Mathematics, 117(1-2), 76-86. https://doi.org/10.1111/ssm.12....
 
54.
Mettas, A. C., & Constantinou, C. C. (2008). The technology fair: A project-based learning approach for enhancing problem solving skills and interest in design and technology education. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 18(1), 79-100. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10798....
 
55.
Noble, H., & Smith, J. (2015). Issues of validity and reliability in qualitative research. Evidence-based Nursing, 18(2), 34-35. https://doi.org/10.1136/eb-201....
 
56.
Novak, E., & Wisdom, S. (2018). Effects of 3D printing project-based learning on preservice elementary teachers’ science attitudes, science content knowledge, and anxiety about teaching science. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 27(5), 412-432. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10956....
 
57.
Owens, A. D., & Hite, R. L. (2022). Enhancing student communication competencies in STEM using virtual global collaboration project based learning. Research in Science & Technological Education, 40(1), 76-102. https://doi.org/10.1080/026351....
 
58.
Papastergiou, M. (2005). Learning to design and implement educational web sites within pre-service training: A project-based learning environment and its impact on student teachers. Learning, Media, and Technology, 30(3), 263-279. https://doi.org/10.1080/174398....
 
59.
Philipp, R. (2007). Mathematics teachers’ beliefs and affect. In F. K. Lester (Ed.), Second handbook of research on mathematics teaching and learning (pp. 257-315). Information Age Publishing.
 
60.
Philippou, G., & Christou, C. (2002). A study of the mathematics teaching efficacy beliefs of primary teachers. In G. C. Leder, E. Pehkonen, & G. Törner (Eds.), Beliefs: A hidden variable in mathematics education? (pp. 211-231). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-306-....
 
61.
Remijan, K. W. (2017). Project-based learning and design-focused projects to motivate secondary mathematics students. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.7771/1541-5....
 
62.
Rich, K. M. (2021). Examining agency as teachers use mathematics curriculum resources: How professional contexts may support or inhibit student-centered instruction. Teaching and Teacher Education, 98, 103249. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate....
 
63.
Rivet, A. E., & Krajcik, J. S. (2008). Contextualizing instruction: Leveraging students’ prior knowledge and experiences to foster understanding of middle school science. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 45(1), 79-100. https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.20....
 
64.
Rogers, M. A. P., Cross, D. I., Gresalfi, M. S., Trauth-Nare, A. E., & Buck, G. A. (2011). First year implementation of a project-based learning approach: The need for addressing teachers’ orientations in the era of reform. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 9(4), 893-917. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763....
 
65.
Rott, B. (2020). Teachers’ behaviors, epistemological beliefs, and their interplay in lessons on the topic of problem solving. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 18(5), 903-924. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763....
 
66.
Safrudiannur, & Rott, B. (2020). Measuring teachers’ beliefs: A comparison of three different approaches. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 16(1), em1796. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmst....
 
67.
Sasson, I., Yehuda, I., & Malkinson, N. (2018). Fostering the skills of critical thinking and question-posing in a project-based learning environment. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 29, 203-212. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.....
 
68.
Savery, J., & Duffy, T. (1995). Problem-based learning: An instructional model and its constructivist framework. Educational Technology, 35(5), 31-38.
 
69.
Speer, N. M. (2005). Issues of methods and theory in the study of mathematics teachers’ professed and attributed beliefs. Educational Studies in Mathematics, 58, 361-391. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10649....
 
70.
Swars, S., Hart, L. C., Smith, S. Z., Smith, M. E. & Tolar, T. (2007). A longitudinal study of elementary preservice teachers’ mathematics beliefs and content knowledge. School Science and Mathematics, 107(8), 325-335. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1949....
 
71.
Tamim, S. R., & Grant, M. M. (2013). Definitions and uses: Case study of teachers implementing project-based learning. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning, 7(2), 3. https://doi.org/10.7771/1541-5....
 
72.
Thompson, A. (1992). Teachers’ beliefs and conceptions: A synthesis of the research. In D. A. Grouws (Ed.), Handbook of research on mathematics teaching and learning (pp. 127-146). Macmillan.
 
73.
Torff, B. (2005). Developmental changes in teachers’ beliefs about critical thinking activities. Journal of Educational Psychology, 97(1), 13-22. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0....
 
74.
Tseng, K. H., Chang, C. C., Lou, S. J., & Chen, W. P. (2013). Attitudes towards science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in a project-based learning (PjBL) environment. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 23(1), 87-102. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10798....
 
75.
Vesga-Bravo, G. J., Angel-Cuervo, Z. M., & Chacón-Guerrero, G. A. (2022). Beliefs about mathematics, its teaching, and learning: Contrast between pre-service and in-service teachers. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 20(4), 769-791. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763....
 
76.
Viro, E., Lehtonen, D., Joutsenlahti, J., & Tahvanainen, V. (2020). Teachers’ perspectives on project-based learning in mathematics and science. European Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 8(1), 12-31. https://doi.org/10.30935/scima....
 
77.
Wang, D. (2011). The dilemma of time: Student-centered teaching in the rural classroom in China. Teaching and Teacher Education, 27(1), 157-164. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate....
 
78.
Wang, L., Liu, Q., Du, X., & Liu, J. (2018). Chinese mathematics curriculum reform in the twenty-first century. In Y. Cao, & F. Leung (Eds.), The 21st century mathematics education in China (pp. 53-72). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-....
 
79.
Wilkins, J. L. M. (2008). The relationship among elementary teachers’ content knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and practices. Journal of Mathematics Teacher Education, 11, 139-164. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10857....
 
80.
Wilson, M. S., & Cooney, T. (2002). Mathematics teacher change and developments. In G. C. Leder, E. Pehkonen, & G. Törner (Eds.), Beliefs: A hidden variable in mathematics education? (pp. 127-147). Springer.https://doi.org/10.1007/0-306-....
 
81.
Wurdinger, S., Haar, J., Hugg, R., & Bezon, J. (2007). A qualitative study using project-based learning in a mainstream middle school. Improving Schools, 10(2), 150-161. https://doi.org/10.1177/136548....
 
82.
Xie, S., & Cai, J. (2021). Teachers’ beliefs about mathematics, learning, teaching, students, and teachers: Perspectives from Chinese high school in-service mathematics teachers. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 19(4), 747-769. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763....
 
83.
Yang, X., Kaiser, G., König, J., & Blömeke, S. (2020). Relationship between pre-service mathematics teachers’ knowledge, beliefs, and instructional practices in China. ZDM, 52(2), 281-294. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11858....
 
84.
Yao, J. X., & Guo, Y. Y. (2018). Core competences and scientific literacy: The recent reform of the school science curriculum in China. International Journal of Science Education, 40(15), 1913-1933. https://doi.org/10.1080/095006....
 
85.
Zhang, J., & Cao, P. (2005). From mathematics education to educational mathematics. China Children and Youth Press.
 
eISSN:1305-8223
ISSN:1305-8215
Journals System - logo
Scroll to top