Date of Graduation

Fall 2022

Degree

Master of Science in Education in Elementary Education

Department

Childhood Education and Family Studies

Committee Chair

Chloe Bolyard

Abstract

Project-based learning (PBL) is a student-centered instructional practice, emphasizing student agency, engagement, and learning opportunities through relevant problem-solving and interdisciplinary curriculum. PBL also helps students develop academic and social skills through real-world application of their learning. It is necessary for educators, administrators and interested parties in education to understand the potential of PBL and other student-centered practices on increasing student engagement and achievement in subject areas besides sciences and social studies, such as literacy, math, and social-emotional learning (SEL). SEL is necessary for all students to have access to, as engaging with activities that increase a person’s ability to understand themselves and the world around them help create well-rounded, empathetic citizens of the world. This study seeks to explore how opportunities may be created for students' social-emotional learning and skill development when experienced through a PBL curriculum within an elementary setting, centering on opportunities for self-awareness and social awareness.

Keywords

project-based learning, social-emotional learning, student-centered, engagement, self-awareness, social awareness, agency, elementary

Subject Categories

Curriculum and Instruction | Education | Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research | Elementary Education | Other Education

Copyright

© Kaitlin Eileen Kilby

Open Access

Share

COinS