A recent study from the University of South Australia highlights the effectiveness of problem-based learning (PBL) in improving student engagement and learning retention in schools. Australian national school attendance rates have been declining between Year 7 (89%) and Year 10 (84%), this research advocates for innovative teaching methods as a solution for disengaged students.
Key Findings
- Hands-On Learning Increases Engagement: The study found that when students participate in hands-on, community-based projects, they are more likely to complete their studies and stay engaged. A specific project involved Year 13 Design and Technology students who designed and built a playground for a low-income school, showcasing the real-world application of their learning.
- Empowerment and Motivation: Researchers observed that students who felt empowered in their learning reported improved confidence and motivation. By linking academic content to community challenges, students found greater value in their tasks, leading to increased investment in their education.
- Critical Skills Development: The PBL approach allowed students to set achievable goals, conduct market research, and explore various design options. This not only enhanced their critical thinking and collaboration skills but also fostered leadership qualities and respectful communication.
- Addressing Disengagement: With 20% of Australian students and 25-30% of New Zealand students experiencing disengagement from school, the study suggests that traditional curricula may not adequately meet the needs of all learners. The PBL model offers an alternative that can appeal to students who struggle with conventional learning methods.
- Broader Application Across Disciplines: While the research focused on design and technology, the principles of PBL can be applied across various subjects, making it a versatile approach for educators looking to enhance student engagement.
Dr. Chris Chimwayange, one of the researchers, emphasizes the importance of connecting learning to real-world applications and allowing students to make their own decisions. This approach can reignite a passion for learning among previously disengaged students and contribute to their academic success.
With student disengagement on the rise, this study advocates for a rethinking of traditional educational practices, encouraging educators and policymakers to explore problem-based community learning as a viable solution.
For more information, you can read the full article here: University of South Australia Study on Problem-Based Learning.
Curriculum and Guides that may be of interest:
Get a special discount by quoting code AISLMALL during CHECKOUT.
3Education: StoryTellAR
StoryTellAR is an online and remote platform designed specifically to connect offline materials seamlessly with interactive digital content, using Computer Vision (Augmented Reality). With a user-friendly user interface, curators can use their mobile phone to associate audio recordings, videos and other digital interactions such as audio, AR video plane and URL to any artworks. The corresponding digital content customized by their very own creators will pop up, making the book seamless, personalized and effective.
AlGreen: E-book
AlGreen is at the forefront of developing microalgae technology for air purification and carbon capture, driving a sustainable future. AlGreen’s ebook introduces young learners to biology’s wonders and its role in sustainability. Covering cellular and plant biology, climate science, and future biotech like carbon capture and renewable energy, it inspires environmental stewardship and a passion for protecting our planet.
Beijing Mandarin: My Fun Chinese For PreK to Grade 4
Beijing Mandarin is a well-established Hong Kong-based Chinese language school renowned for its quality instructional publications and dedication to world-class Mandarin education since 1992. My Fun Chinese for PreK to Grade 4 was created to meet the needs of young Chinese language students. We drew on over 30 years of experience teaching the Chinese language to create and publish the My Fun Chinese learning resources.
BSDCD Limited: CODING CURRICULUM & GUIDES
BSD’s curriculum integrates evidence-based practices and future-proof approaches, including Computational Thinking, Design Thinking, Coding/Programming, and Digital Citizenship. These strategies prepare students for an evolving future with emerging topics like AI, augmented reality, and data privacy.
Chinese 1-2-Tree: Leveled Reading Platform For Pre-k To Grade 8
Chinese 1-2-Tree is a unique leveled reading interactive learning platform designed to provide progressive leveled reading starting with 20 basic characters. Chinese 1-2-Tree offers literacy essentials for every PreK-8 Chinese classroom. We offer a complete solution for reading instruction and student practice, perfect for use in class and at home. Rely on our easy-to-use resources to build foundational skills and strengthen reading comprehension.
Codementum: Gamified Coding Training Platform and Coding Curriculum
Codementum offers a fun, interactive platform to teach kids coding through block-based and text-based languages like Python and JavaScript. Kids learn to create mobile games, apps, and AI projects at their own pace, with gamified courses, self-guided challenges, and resources for all experience levels.
Joint Publishing (H.K.): Chinese Made Easy & IBMYP/IBDP Chinese
The “Chinese Made Easy” series (3rd Edition) is designed for students preparing for exams like SAT II, IGCSE, IB, and HSK, or beginners learning Chinese independently. It includes 7 books in two stages, covering fundamental language skills. The “Chinese Made Easy for Kids” (2nd Edition) helps primary school children recognize over 500 characters, with activities and audio recordings for gradual language development.
NovaAcademy: Ready-to-Go Curriculum Sets
Novalearn Limited is an EdTech company transforming education by seamlessly integrating machine learning, studio-produced edutainment, and quality STEAM education aligned with international K-12 curricula. All the teaching resources you need for fun and enriching classes, created by the NovaLearn team of experienced educators and industry experts. Each curriculum set includes Project lesson plans, Engaging videos, Interactive activity sheets and Skill-building exercises
Oxford University Press Cambridge IGCSE/O Level/AS & A Level Exam Success Revision Guides
Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University’s objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide. Cambridge Exam Success Guides from Oxford University Press provide unique exam support and revision guidance for Cambridge IGCSE & O Level and AS & A Level students. Matched to the latest Cambridge assessment criteria. Perfect for use alongside Oxford Resources for Cambridge Student Books or as a standalone resource for independent revision.
Potential City: 4D Human Anatomy Models
Potential City Company Limited is a wholesaler and retailer of international brand toys. It is the exclusive agent of 4D Master, Amazing Toys and Astronaut Foods in Hong Kong and Macau, with more than 30 sales locations. 4D Human Anatomy Models offer detailed, disassemble representations of the human body, revealing its inner workings. Complete with informative booklets, these models are perfect for schools, universities, and medical practices, helping students effectively learn basic anatomy.
QuiverVision: Quiver Augmented Reality Coloring
QuiverVision is a one-stop shop for Augmented Reality content and lesson plans for Pre-K to Year 8 and beyond. We develop the software behind the world’s best Augmented Reality Colouring Experiences. Our premier app, “Quiver”, makes learning fun. Enhance learning with Quiver’s AR subscription for 10-500 devices. Students bring educational coloring pages to life via the Quiver app, creating interactive, engaging experiences. Includes school/home access and curriculum-aligned plans, fostering creativity, skills, and knowledge retention.
SAM Labs: STEAM Pathway Schoolwide Annual Subscription
SAM Labs, an award-winning EdTech company, empowers over 9,000 schools in 60+ countries with innovative Coding and STEAM tools. Students create projects like smart city lighting and solar habitats while meeting curriculum standards, inspiring problem-solving and fostering teacher creativity.
Special Learning: ABA Business Solutions
At Special Learning, we are passionate about changing the lives of people with Autism and other special needs. ABA Business Solutions empowers Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) organizations with tailored support to enhance efficiency and service quality. We specialize in Recruiting, Training, Technology Integration, and Operational Support, enabling agencies to overcome challenges and deliver exceptional care.
