Effectiveness of Project Based Learning in Statistics for Lower Secondary Schools

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed at investigating theeffectiveness of implementing Project Based Learning (PBL) on the topic of statistics at a lower secondary school in Surabaya city, Indonesia, indicated by examining studentlearning outcomes, student responses, and student activity. Research Methods: A quasi experimental method was conducted over two months involving two classes of seventh gradestudents, consisting an experiment class (PBL)and a control class (conventional learning). Datawere collected through student activityobservation sheets, student responses, andpretest-posttests. Data were analyzed byemploying covariance analysis (ANCOVA).Findings: Based on ANCOVA, student learning outcomes in PBL are higher than those inconventional learning. In addition, based on the results of a descriptive analysis, results ofthe student learning outcomes in PBL obtained more than the minimum standard score(MSC), the students’ responses in learning were positive, and the students were active inthe class activities. Thus, PBL is effective in statistical learning. Implications for Researchand Practice: Based on the results of the research, it can be concluded that PBL was effectivein statistical learning. These findings suggest that the students were enthusiastic inworking the given project and actively discussed with other students in the class. Wesuggest teachers apply PBL on other mathematics topics so students can be enthusiastic inmathematics learning in the class. Alternatively, teachers can use PBL with technology-assisted learning to make learning more interesting for students.