Project-Based Learning as a Strategy for Developing Interdisciplinary Competencies.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70577/cieninter.v4i3.35Keywords:
Active learning, interdisciplinary approach, educational innovation, higher education, problem solving.Abstract
The objective of this research was to analyze Project-Based Learning (PBL) as a pedagogical strategy for the development of interdisciplinary competencies in higher education students. Using a mixed-methods approach and a non-experimental cross-sectional design, the study involved a sample of [N] students and [N] teachers who participated in integrative projects. Data collection instruments included a competency questionnaire (Cronbach's Alpha α=0.89) and semi-structured interviews with facilitators. Quantitative results revealed a significant increase (p<0.05) in the dimensions of conceptual integration and critical thinking following the intervention. Furthermore, the qualitative analysis highlighted that while PBL increases intrinsic motivation and collaboration, institutional challenges regarding the lack of teacher coordination time persist. It is concluded that PBL is an effective tool to overcome knowledge fragmentation, promoting a comprehensive education aligned with the demands of the current labor market, provided there is administrative support to facilitate interdisciplinary planning.
Downloads
References
Admiraal, W., et al. (2019). A typology of educators’ perspectives on digital resources for learning. Computers & Education, 135, 103-113.
Afshar, H. S., & Ghasemi, M. (2024). The impact of project-based learning on student engagement and motivation. Journal of Education for Teaching, 50(2), 145-162.
Almulla, M. A. (2020). The Effectiveness of the Project-Based Learning (PBL) Approach as a Way to Engage Students in Learning. SAGE Open, 10(3). https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244020938702 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244020938702
Baysura, O. D., et al. (2016). Perceptions of Pre-service Teachers Regarding Project-Based Learning. Eurasian Journal of Educational Research, 16(62), 15-36. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14689/ejer.2016.62.3
Buck Institute for Education (2021). Gold Standard PBL: Essential Project Design Elements. PBLWorks.
Chen, C. H., & Yang, Y. C. (2019). Revisiting the effects of project-based learning on students’ academic achievement: A meta-analysis investigating moderators. Educational Research Review, 26, 71-81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2018.11.001 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2018.11.001
Condliffe, B., Visher, M. G., Bangser, M. R., Drohojowska, S., & Saco, L. (2017). Project-Based Learning: A Literature Review. MDRC.
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. SAGE Publications.
García-Varcálcel, A., & Basilotta, V. (2017). Aprendizaje basado en proyectos (ABP): evaluación desde la perspectiva de alumnos de Educación Primaria. Revista de Investigación Educativa, 35(1), 113-131. https://doi.org/10.6018/rie.35.1.246811 DOI: https://doi.org/10.6018/rie.35.1.246811
Guo, P., Saab, N., Post, L. S., & Admiraal, W. (2020). A review of project-based learning in higher education: Student outcomes and measures. International Journal of Educational Research, 102, 101586. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2020.101586 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2020.101586
Habók, A., & Nagy, J. (2016). In-service teachers’ perceptions of project-based learning. Frontiers in Psychology, 7, 1558. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01558 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40064-016-1725-4
Handoyono, N. A., et al. (2023). Interdisciplinary project-based learning: Challenges and opportunities in vocational education. Journal of Engineering Education Transformations, 36(4).
Helle, L., Tynjälä, P., & Olkinuora, E. (2020). Project-based learning in post-secondary education – theory, practice and rubber hits the road. Higher Education, 51, 287–314. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-004-6386-5
Hernández-Sampieri, R., & Mendoza, C. P. (2018). Metodología de la investigación: las rutas cuantitativa, cualitativa y mixta. McGraw-Hill.
Kingston, S. (2018). Project-based learning: An examination of context, strategies, and implementation. Journal of Education and Learning, 7(4), 149-160.
Kokotsaki, D., Menzies, V., & Wiggins, A. (2016). Project-based learning: A review of the literature. Improving Schools, 19(3), 267-277. https://doi.org/10.1177/1365480216659733 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1365480216659733
Krajcik, J. S., & Shin, N. (2022). Project-Based Learning. In Sawyer, R. K. (Ed.), The Cambridge Handbook of the Learning Sciences. Cambridge University Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108888295.006
Miller, E. C., & Krajcik, J. S. (2019). Promoting deep learning through project-based learning: A design problem. Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary Science Education Research, 1(1), 7. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43031-019-0009-6 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s43031-019-0009-6
Mishra, P., & Mehta, R. (2017). What We Teach Educators About Technology: Why Content Knowledge Is Not Enough. Journal of Digital Learning in Teacher Education, 33(3), 102-105.
Newman, I. (2020). Typology of Mixed Methods Research Designs. In Handbook of Mixed Methods in Social & Behavioral Research. SAGE.
Otzen, T., & Manterola, C. (2017). Técnicas de Muestreo sobre una Población a Estudio. International Journal of Morphology, 35(1), 227-232. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4067/S0717-95022017000100037
Sánchez-Vicario, A., et al. (2022). Competencias transversales en la universidad a través del ABP. Revista Iberoamericana de Educación, 88(1), 45-62.
Seibert, S. A. (2021). Problem-based learning: A strategy to foster critical thinking and learning outcomes. Teaching and Learning in Nursing, 16(2), 137-140. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.teln.2020.09.002
Valls-Bautista, C., et al. (2021). El profesorado ante el reto del aprendizaje basado en proyectos. Educación XX1, 24(1).
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Daysy Raquel Valiente Valiente , Narcisa Lucia Huera Ortega , Erika Lissette Yanez Chaglla , Alexa Yajaira Gaibor Borj

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.









