IJORER : International Journal of Recent Educational Research
Vol. 7 No. 5 (2026): September

Project-Based Learning and Scientific Literacy in Primary Science: Quasi-Experimental Evidence from Grade 4 Students in North Sulawesi

Mangangantung, Jeanne (Unknown)
Tuerah, Roos M.S. (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Sep 2026

Abstract

Objective: This study examined whether Project-Based Learning (PjBL) was associated with higher scientific-literacy achievement and greater learning gains among Grade 4 students studying pollination and seed dispersal. Method: A quasi-experimental nonrandomized control-group pretest-posttest design involved two intact classes in a public primary school in Tomohon, Indonesia (N = 40; 20 students per condition). Scientific literacy was assessed with a 20-item form selected from a 30-item pilot pool; the pilot pool showed Cronbach's alpha = .880. Analyses emphasized paired-samples t tests, Welch independent-samples t tests, mean differences, 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and Hedges' g. Results: Baseline performance was closely similar (M = 67.15 vs. 67.75; g approximately -0.08). The PjBL class increased to M = 85.35 (mean gain = 18.20), whereas the comparison class increased to M = 78.35 (mean gain = 10.60). At posttest, the PjBL class scored 7.00 points higher, Welch's t(31.64) = 5.139, p < .001, 95% CI [4.22, 9.78], g = 1.59, 95% CI [0.88, 2.31]. Gain scores differed by 7.60 points, Welch's t(37.26) = 3.591, p = .001, 95% CI [3.31, 11.89], g = 1.11, 95% CI [0.44, 1.78]. Novelty: The study provides effect-size-informed, context-specific evidence on Grade 4 scientific literacy while limiting inference to the two observed intact classes rather than claiming a broadly generalizable causal effect.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijorer

Publisher

Subject

Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Mathematics Other

Description

IJORER is an international journal (double-blind peer review) that focuses on Recent Educational Research. The journal concerns in Recent Educational Research accepts articles in the field of Education: instruction, learning, teaching, curriculum development, learning environments, teacher ...