Exploring PBL: An Action Research Project Among Pre-Service Teachers

An action research project was designed to explore problem-based learning as an instructional approach in a pre-service physics education methods course. The main aim of this research is to immerse pre-service teachers in authentic learning experiences that would encourage them to adopt problem-based learning in teaching and learning. Data collection methods included feedback elicited from pre-service teachers‟ reflective journals, field notes, and pre-service teacher-generated documents during teaching practice. The paper describes how pre-service teachers‟ knowledge, understanding and classroom practice change as a result of their action research experiences. Implications for physics education are also addressed.