Project Based Learning on Promoting Children’s Critical Thinking Skills: A Systematic Review

Abstract

This paper explores the impact of project-based learning (PjBL) on the development of children's critical thinking skills through a systematic review. PjBL, as a student-centered instructional approach, promotes active learning and deeper understanding by engaging students in projects that solve real-world problems. Research has shown that PjBL is effective in enhancing students' critical thinking, problem-solving, and cognitive skills, as well as their motivation and engagement. This paper adopts a constructivist-based learning module to systematically review and analyze the relevant literature in terms of five main factors: the PjBL learning environment, cognitive process, learner characteristics, social interaction, and assessment and reflection. The results of the research show that PjBL has significant effectiveness in educational practice, especially in enhancing students' critical thinking. This paper aims to provide guidance for educational practice and to inform future research directions.