An Application Related to Project Based Learning in Higher Education Analysis in Terms of Students Directing the Project

Abstract

This study aimed at determining how higher education level students were managing the steps followed in project-based learning application. During this process, explaining the steps with respect to student perspectives are important since these will contribute to the professors and theoreticians willing to apply the project based learning approach. The study can be considered in the boundaries of descriptive study and qualitative research data analysis techniques were employed for the data gathered. In the study, the data gathered from observation, interview and portfolio files evaluation rubric were collected and analyzed by three different researchers. During the analysis processes, content analysis technique was used. Some of the research results are as follows: students stated that in these kinds of applications, it would be more effective if the students themselves determined the context by using discussion and consented on the idea that it is more effective for the professor in charge of the project to quide the project. At the every step of the application process, the students used some specific decision making criteria as they were making work load evenly disributed. In the process of data collection, the students consulted the course professors and the researchers as the primary resource of data. For the justification of this choice, they stated that these resources were both reliable and easily accessible. Students used different criteria in evaluating the whole process, the project presentations and group members; they also gave reasons for using those criteria. In the process of applying PBL approach, the professors have to take the general principles into consideration as well as make the general planning by considering department, subjects, and student-professor qualifications and environmental conditions.