Implications of Problem Based Learning (PBL) in Elementary Schools Upon the K-12 Engineering Education Pipeline

This paper examines the effectiveness of a second grade math focused problem based learning (PBL) unit in fostering student interest and collaboration in math through a randomized control design. The study took place in a rural school district in Virginia, where five of the ten elementary schools in the district were selected as intervention schools who received the PBL intervention, and the other five served as control schools who experienced traditional instruction, which in that district consisted primarily of whole class instruction and worksheet completion. The PBL unit charged students with deciding how to spend a sum of money donated by a benefactor to help their local animal shelter. The intervention was designed help students solve the problem through a series of lessons that built upon each other where they learned a variety of relevant math concepts, such as bargain shopping and multiple representations. On a deeper level, students also learned several problem solving skills, including teamwork, researching a topic, formulating evidence based solutions, and presenting their findings. After the unit, all students answered a 22-item engagement survey (alpha = .77) that asked about their perceptions of and experiences in math (i.e. "Today I explained how I solve math problems to other kids"). Results of a factor analysis indicated the presence of 3 groups of items: Value in Math, Collaboration, and Enjoyment. A subsequent Multivariate Analysis of Variance indicated that PBL students reported significantly higher levels of Collaboration, meaning they worked with and helped their peers more than students in traditional, teacher and worksheet focused instruction. More specifically, students collaborated to solve math problems more than the control group, which involve a set of valuable skills they will need to succeed as engineers and essentially in several STEM careers. Particular components of the PBL unit that encouraged teamwork and collaboration and the engagement survey will also be discussed in detail.