Cited by 92Problem and Project Based LearningInnovative Teaching MethodsEducation and Critical Thinking Development

Teaching and learning methods compared: A pedagogical evaluation of problem-based learning (PBL) and lecture methods in developing learners’ cognitive abilities

Open access
Ssemugenyi, Fred·2023·Cogent Education

Abstract

Using a mixed method, quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test non-equivalent group design, this study inquired into the possibilities of enhancing learners’ cognitive abilities, with problem-based learning (PBL; -experimental) and lecture method (control) as predictor variables. Aided by the random scorecards, a group of 51 students was assigned to the experimental (26) and control (25) streams, where their cognitive performance was compared on both the lower and higher-order learning attributes for 15 weeks. Whereas there was a slight difference in the mean scores of the two groups on the three lower-order learning parameters measured at the pre-test, the difference (Xc = 55.32 < Xe = 55.8; t-statistic 0.176 < critical t- 2.01) was not statistically significant. However, at the immediate-post-test, the mean scores of the two groups on the three higher-order learning parameters statistically differed (Xc = 66.81 > Xe = 59.21) in favor of the control group (t = 2.967 > 2.01; p = .005 < 0.05). Although a reduction in weekly learning hours from 3 to 2 was accompanied by a significant improvement in students’ cognitive development on the three higher-order learning attributes at the delayed post-test for the experimental group, that of the control group, improved marginally (Xc = 76.36 < Xe = 86.31). Even though the generalization of these findings may be limited due to the examination of a single learning discipline, the qualitative and quantitative analyses suggest that PBL is a true stimulant of students’ cognitive development over time.

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Crossref · 10.1080/2331186x.2023.2187943

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Authors
Ssemugenyi, F.
Affiliations
Department of Open and Distance Learning PNGUoT, Morobe, Lae
Corresponding author
Ssemugenyi, Fred
Venue
Cogent Education
Published
2023-03-13
Volume
10
Issue
1
ISSN
2331-186X (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W4324061282
Cited by
56
References
66
Citations by year
2026: 11 · 2025: 20 · 2024: 15 · 2023: 10
FWCI
41.50
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Cogent Education (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
research
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Education › Problem and Project Based Learning
  • Social Sciences › Education › Innovative Teaching Methods
  • Social Sciences › Education › Education and Critical Thinking Development
Keywords
problem-based learning, lecture method, cognitive ability, higher-order learning, cognitive development, teaching methods comparison, learning outcomes

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