Fostering students’ 21st century skills through Project Oriented Problem Based Learning (POPBL) in integrated STEM education program

Based on the research findings, it can be concluded that the application of the POPBL approach in the teaching and learning process as implemented in the BITARA STEM Program may increase the students’ level for the five elements of the 21st century skills, namely Digital Age Literacy, Inventive Thinking, Effective Communication, High Productivity and Spiritual Value. One is aware of that the study only employs a one pre and post test group and the skills exhibited by the students were more on perception based. Nevertheless, the findings provide as indicators to the possibility of POPBL when integrated in STEM education is able to foster 21st century skills in the STEM context. Future studies would involve a control group in addition to the experimental group. Measurement of the 21st century skills should be performance based. Also, a more qualitative study investigating the interactions during the program can illuminate the reasons for any enhancement or otherwise.

Meanwhile, POPBL as a collaborative teaching strategy can and has been shown to effectively increase communication skills- which is necessary for developing 21st century skills. Students’ ability to link ideas of science and mathematics and apply technology and engineering design can be observed during the group discussion activities. This, therefore, demonstrates that POPBL and STEM Education programs should be promoted and carried out in schools. The implementation of project oriented and group activities can help nurture positive attitudes and interpersonal skills, such as teamwork, diligence, perseverance and creative thinking as well as presentation skills. It is important that the teaching and learning process in the classroom is relevant and coherent with the current situation. Therefore, pedagogic approaches and teaching principles such as this are much needed in today’s teaching situation to produce students who are active, innovative and creative as they could help to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century. One immediate implications of this study is to provide professional development course on POPBL with the teachers. Such an innovative teaching method requires understanding and abilities in order for effective implementation.