This study used survey design to investigate how high school students perceive the implementation success of a school reform called the New Tech School (NTS) model, which is organized around project-based learning (PBL), a democratic school culture, and technology integration. The study examined the relationship of the PBL instructional approach to specific indicators of NTS success as viewed by the students. Statistically significant, positive relationships were found between PBL and these indicators of success. By examining students’ perceptions, this study affirmed that PBL is critically linked to improved outcomes within the context of the NTS reform model. Implications for all educators incorporating PBL in the New Tech environment are discussed.
BartscherK., GouldB., & NutterS. (1995). Increasing student motivation through project-based learning (Master's research project, Saint Xavier and IRI Skylight).
2.
BlumenfeldP., SolowayE., MarxR., KrajcikJ., GuzdialM., & PalincsarA. (1991). Motivating project-based learning: Sustaining the doing, supporting the learning.Educational Psychologist,26(3-4), 369–398.
3.
Bradley-LevineJ., PerkinsT., & MosierG. (2012, November). Holistic democracy within the New Tech School model. Paper presented at the University Council for Educational Administration convention, Denver, CO.
4.
Bradley-LevineJ., RomanoG., & PerkinsT. (2011). Research report for fourth-year implementation of New Tech high schools in Indiana.Indianapolis, IN: University of Indianapolis, Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning.
5.
Bradley-LevineJ., RomanoG., PerkinsT., & HurstT. (2010). Research report for third-year implementation of New Technology high schools in Indiana.Indianapolis, IN: University of Indianapolis, Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning. Retrieved from http://cell.uindy.edu/docs/research/Research3rdyearNTS.pdf
ChanLinLih-Juan (2008). Technology integration applied to project-based learning in science.Innovations in Education and Teaching International,45, 55–65.
8.
Conference Board, Inc., Partnership for 21st Century Skills, Corporate Voices for Working Families, & Society for Human Resource Management. (2006). Are they really ready to work? Employers’ perspectives on the basic knowledge and applied skills of new entrants to the 21st century U.S. workforce. Retrieved from http://www.p21.org/storage/documents/FINAL_REPORT_PDF09-29-06.pdf
9.
EskrootchiR., & OskrochiG. (2010). A Study of the efficacy of project-based learning integrated with computer-based simulation—STELLA.Educational Technology & Society,13(1), 236–245.
10.
GeierR., BlumenfeldP. C., MarxR. W., KrajcikJ. S., FishmanB., SolowayE., & Clay-ChambersJ. (2008). Standardized tests outcomes for students engaged in inquiry-based science curricula in the context of urban reform.Journal of Research in Science Teaching,45, 922–939.
11.
HoranC., LavaroniC., & BeldonP. (1996). Observation of the Tinker Tech Program students for critical thinking and social participation behaviors.Novato, CA: Buck Institute for Education.
12.
MarxR., BlumenfeldP., KrajcikJ., FishmanB., SolowayE., GeierR., & TalR. (2004). Inquiry-based science in the middle grades: Assessment of learning in urban systemic reform.Journal of Research in Science Teaching,41, 1063–1080.
MioduserD., & BetzerN. (2003). The contribution of project-based learning to high-achievers’ acquisition of technological knowledge and skills.International Journal of Technology and Design Education,18, 59–77.
OcakM., & UluyolÇ. (2010). Investigation of college students’ intrinsic motivation in project based learning.International Journal of Human Sciences,7, 1152–1169.
18.
PanasanM., & NuangchalermP. (2010). Learning outcomes of project-based learning activities.Journal of Social Sciences,6, 252–255.
19.
PeckJ. K., PeckW., SentzJ., & ZasaR. (1998). Students’ perceptions of literacy learning in a project based curriculum. In StutevantE. G., & DuganJ. (Eds.), Literacy and community: The twentieth yearbook: A peer reviewed publication of the College Reading Association (pp. 94–100). Carrollton, GA: Beacon.
20.
RavitzJ. (2008, March). Project based learning as a catalyst in reforming high schools. Paper presented at the American Education Research Association, New York, NY.
21.
RavitzJ. (2010). Beyond changing culture in small high schools: Reform models and changing instruction with project-based learning.Peabody Journal of Education, 85, 290–312.
VanderJagtD. (2013). Student thoughts and perceptions on curriculum reform. (Dissertation Paper 154). Retrieved from Western Michigan University Scholar Works.
24.
VermaA., DickersonD., & McKinneyS. (2011). Engaging students in STEM careers with project-based learning—Marine Tech Project.Technology and Engineering Teacher,71(1), 25–31.
