Jurnal Pendidikan Terapan
Vol 4, No 3 July (2026)

Effects of Project-Based Learning, STEM Education, and Culture-Based Learning on K-12 Mathematics Achievement: A Meta-Analysis

Ranak Lince (Universitas Terbuka)
Husnaeni Husnaeni (Universitas Terbuka)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Jul 2026

Abstract

Purpose: This study evaluates and compares the effectiveness of Project-Based Learning (PjBL), STEM/STEAM, and Culture-Based Learning (CBL) on students’ mathematics achievement to address fragmented findings in existing literature. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines was conducted on 34 empirical studies published between 2015 and 2025 across four major academic databases: Scopus, ERIC, ScienceDirect, and Sinta. Effect sizes were calculated using Cohen’s d and analyzed with a random-effects model. Findings: All three student-centered approaches significantly improve mathematics achievement, with a large pooled effect size (d = 0.99). Subgroup analysis revealed that CBL yielded the highest effect size (d = 1.50), followed by STEM/STEAM (d = 1.07), and PjBL (d = 0.74). High heterogeneity indicates effectiveness is heavily influenced by contextual implementation factors. Research Implications: The findings recommend that educators and curriculum developers integrate contextual, project-based, and interdisciplinary approaches to enrich mathematics learning and bridge abstract concepts with students' real-world experiences. Originality: This research provides a unique contribution by systematically comparing the relative strengths of PjBL, STEM/STEAM, and CBL within a single analytical framework, demonstrating the strong potential for an integrated hybrid pedagogical model in mathematics education.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

JUPITER

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Education Social Sciences Other

Description

Jurnal Pendidikan Terapan (JUPITER) is an open scientific forum for educational researchers,scholars and practitioners. This open access journal publishes articles related to the research results in the field of education. The journal seeks to digest innovations, issues and trends in educational ...