Exploring The Impact Of Project-Based Learning On Science Achievement And Creativity In Secondary Schools Of Azad Jammu & Kashmir

Abstract

This research examines the efficacy of Project-Based Learning (PBL) as an educational approach to enhance scientific achievement, creativity, and classroom engagement among secondary school students in Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan. In AJK, traditional science classrooms mostly use lectures and rote memorization, which leads to poor student performance, little creativity, and little interest.  To tackle these problems, a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest control group design was utilized, involving a purposive sample of 240 students from eight secondary schools (four urban and four rural).  The experimental group underwent PBL instruction for eight weeks, engaging in structured projects focused on environmental pollution, simple machines, and water filtration, whereas the control group persisted with conventional instruction.  [1]Researchers used three tools to collect data: a Science Achievement Test, a modified Torrance Test of Creative Thinking, and a Classroom Engagement Observation Checklist.  Statistical analyses encompassed paired t-tests, independent t-tests, and ANCOVA to account for pre-test discrepancies.  The results showed that students in the PBL group did much better on the post-test (M = 55.90) than students in the control group (M = 46.12), with a large treatment effect (Partial η² = 0.261).  In the same way, the experimental group had much higher creativity scores in the areas of fluency, originality, and flexibility. This was shown by significant t-values and large ANCOVA effect sizes (Partial η² = 0.277).  Observations in the classroom showed that PBL students were more focused, involved, and willing to work together than control students.  The results show that PBL greatly improves academic performance, encourages creativity, and boosts engagement, even in places like AJK where resources are limited.  The study suggests incorporating PBL into science curricula, educator training, and evaluation methods to enhance educational results and cultivate 21st-century competencies.