Insiders' perspectives on project based learning: A comparison of US and Israeli approaches
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Sharon Tamir The Gary and Jerri-Ann Jacobs High Tech High San Diego, CA, USA
Dr. Barbara Withers School of Business Administration University of San Diego San Diego, CA, USA Corresponding Author: Sharon Tamir, stamir@hightechhigh.org |
Abstract
High school students and teachers in two countries (US and Israel) were interviewed to ascertain their perspectives about their Project Based Learning (PBL) experiences. Perspectives were evaluated to determine to what degree PBL approaches were based on the eight essential elements of PBL and whether PBL courses contributed effectively to workplace preparedness. Differences between teachers and students and between countries were identified. Results revealed that PBL programs incorporating the eight essential elements are more effective in preparing students to enter today’s work environment. Students perceive stronger benefits from their PBL experiences than teachers perceive. Additionally, the perspectives of Israeli teachers and students were more similar to each other than the perspectives of US teachers and students.
Keywords: Project Based Learning, progressive education, Israel, United States, qualitative research
High school students and teachers in two countries (US and Israel) were interviewed to ascertain their perspectives about their Project Based Learning (PBL) experiences. Perspectives were evaluated to determine to what degree PBL approaches were based on the eight essential elements of PBL and whether PBL courses contributed effectively to workplace preparedness. Differences between teachers and students and between countries were identified. Results revealed that PBL programs incorporating the eight essential elements are more effective in preparing students to enter today’s work environment. Students perceive stronger benefits from their PBL experiences than teachers perceive. Additionally, the perspectives of Israeli teachers and students were more similar to each other than the perspectives of US teachers and students.
Keywords: Project Based Learning, progressive education, Israel, United States, qualitative research
Preferred Citation:
Tamir, S. and Withers, B. (2016). Insiders' perspectives on project based learning: A comparison of US and Israeli approaches. International Journal for Business Education, 156, 10 - 24.
Tamir, S. and Withers, B. (2016). Insiders' perspectives on project based learning: A comparison of US and Israeli approaches. International Journal for Business Education, 156, 10 - 24.
