Meta- Analysis of Problem Based Learning on Students\' Academic Achievement

Abstract

Introduction: The existence of numerous and sometimes contradictory studies in the field of problem-based learning and academic achievement emphasizes the necessity of doing a combined research. This meta-analysis study was conducted to determine the effect size of problem-based learning with academic achievement. Methods: This meta-analyze study intends to conduct on the effect of problem-based learning on academic achievement. As to meta-analysis, the Hunts and Schmidt approach is employed. Of the 36 studies identified, 23 were analyzed and from web, data (isc, iranmedex, Noormags, SID, Magiran, irandoc, PubMed, EBSCO, worldcat, sciencedirect, Springer, ProQuest and google scholar), between the academic years 2007-2020 was conducted in accordance with research objectives to the study. Results: The results revealed that problem-based learning methods affects student academic achievement. The effect size (0.90) is estimated to be very high based on Cohen's criteria. Generally, the use of problem-based learning methods improves the academic achievement and the transfer of learning to the outside world should be promoted. Conclusion: The results of this research can pave the way for future research in the field of learning and teaching methods.

Keywords

• problem based learning
• teaching methods
• students' academic achievement
• meta-analysis