A Transdisciplinary STEM Course Integrated through Project-based Learning on Robotics: Perspective from Teacher and Student Feedback

ABSTRACT

Project-based learning (PjBL) facilitates STEM learning, but the integrity of the project activities is a challenge and the design of integrated STEM courses through PjBL remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to design and evaluate a transdisciplinary STEM course integrated through P_jBL in robotics. Participants in the teaching experiment for four weeks were 54 high school students, including 29 males and 25 females. Based on semi-structured interviews with students and teachers and open-ended questionnaires from students, the course not only facilitated knowledge integration and application but also brought a positive effect on students’ learning outcomes. This study not only confirms that PjBL can be applied in the STEM course but also provides a practical example as a reference for designing transdisciplinary STEM courses integrated through PjBL. Finally, the implications for teaching practices and theories are also proposed.

KEYWORDS:

• Project-based learning
• robotics
• STEM, transdisciplinary
• integration

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Chi-Cheng Chang

Dr. Chi-Cheng Chang is a Chair Professor in the Department of Technology Application and Human Resource Development at National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei. He received his PhD in Workforce Education and Development from the Pennsylvania State University, USA. His research interests are focused on e-learning, e-assessment, educational technologies, and integrated STEM/STEAM education.

Yu-Kai Chen

Dr. Yu-Kai Chen is a Post-Doctoral Assistant in the Department of Technology Application and Human Resource Development at National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei. He received his PhD in Science Education from the National Kaohsiung Normal University. His research interests are focused on science teaching, science curriculum, and integrated STEM/STEAM education.