Research conducted by:
Anna Rosefsky Saavedra, Research Scientist, University of Southern California, Kari Lock Morgan, assistant professor of statistics, Penn State, Ying Liu, Research Scientist, University of Southern California, Marshall W. Garland, Texas Tech University, Amie Rapaport, Research Scientist, University of Southern California, Alyssa Hu, graduate student in statistics, Penn State, Danial Hoepfner, Gibson Consulting Group, Shira Korn Haderlein, Human Services Researcher, Mathematica
Tags:
education Learning Teaching
Research Summary:
In this study, the researchers estimated the impact on students’ advanced placement (AP) examination performance of a project-based learning (PBL) approach to AP compared with a lecture-based AP approach. The results suggest support for teacher-driven adoption of the project-based learning approach within both courses studied, among districts with open-enrollment AP policies and for students from low- and high-income households.
How Roar played a role in this research:
Computations that were needed to undertake this robust study were performed using Penn State's Roar supercomputer.
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Article Title: |
The Impact of Project-Based Learning on AP Exam Performance |
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Published In: |
Education Evaluation and Policy Analysis |
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Abstract: |
Harnessing a cluster randomized controlled trial, we estimated the impact on students’ advanced placement (AP) examination performance of a project-based learning (PBL) approach to AP compared with a lecture-based AP approach. Through PBL, teachers primarily play a facilitator role, while students work on complex tasks organized around central questions leading to a final product. We estimated positive and significant treatment effects on AP exam performance for the overall sample, within both AP courses studied, and within low- and high-income student groups. Results support teacher-driven adoption of the PBL AP approach within both courses studied, among districts with open-enrollment AP policies and supportive of PBL, for students from low- and high-income households. View article on publisher's website |