Challenges in preparing and implementing project-based learning – teachers’ experience

The essence of the project-based learning rests on the assumption of a significant student engagement in the research of the real life problems. As an innovative model, it implies a focus shifting from receptive learning that prevails in traditional teaching to active construction of knowledge, whic...

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Main Authors: Dušan P. Ristanović, Biljana D. Radović, Мirko S. Marković
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: University of Belgrade, Teacher Education Faculty 2025-07-01
Series:Inovacije u Nastavi
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.inovacijeunastavi.rs/en/38-2-3en/
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author Dušan P. Ristanović
Biljana D. Radović
Мirko S. Marković
author_facet Dušan P. Ristanović
Biljana D. Radović
Мirko S. Marković
author_sort Dušan P. Ristanović
collection DOAJ
description The essence of the project-based learning rests on the assumption of a significant student engagement in the research of the real life problems. As an innovative model, it implies a focus shifting from receptive learning that prevails in traditional teaching to active construction of knowledge, which determine various changes in teaching practice. Any change in the established practice can pose numerous difficulties, problems, doubts, open questions, and other challenges to participants in the teaching process. Therefore, the aim of this qualitative study was to examine the experience of teachers regarding the challenges they face during the preparation and implementation of the projectbased learning. The research was conducted during the school year 2023/24 and nine primary and secondary school teachers from Serbia took part in it – four from primary schools, two from vocational secondary schools, and three from high schools. The technique of a synchronous online focus group interview was used, which was recorded and the data were transcribed. Data analysis was performed using the qualitative method of inductive-type thematic analysis. Determining the project topic, forming teacher teams and selecting students who will participate in the project were identified as the key challenges faced by teachers in preparing project-based learning. The teachers stated that their challenges during the implementation of the project-based learning included the time spent, opportunities for learning, and the attitude of others towards project-based learning. It was concluded that the perceived challenges should not discourage teachers, but should serve as a starting point for a deeper analysis and improvement of one’s own practice in the field of preparation and application of project-based learning.
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spelling doaj-art-e7bf973dfd63409c949aa63182cd81442025-08-20T02:41:08ZengUniversity of Belgrade, Teacher Education FacultyInovacije u Nastavi0352-23342335-08062025-07-01382375110.5937/inovacije2502037RChallenges in preparing and implementing project-based learning – teachers’ experienceDušan P. Ristanović0Biljana D. Radović1Мirko S. Marković2University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Education, Jagodina, SerbiaHigh School “20. oktobar”, Bačka Palanka, SerbiaHigh School “Vuk Karadžić”, Loznica, SerbiaThe essence of the project-based learning rests on the assumption of a significant student engagement in the research of the real life problems. As an innovative model, it implies a focus shifting from receptive learning that prevails in traditional teaching to active construction of knowledge, which determine various changes in teaching practice. Any change in the established practice can pose numerous difficulties, problems, doubts, open questions, and other challenges to participants in the teaching process. Therefore, the aim of this qualitative study was to examine the experience of teachers regarding the challenges they face during the preparation and implementation of the projectbased learning. The research was conducted during the school year 2023/24 and nine primary and secondary school teachers from Serbia took part in it – four from primary schools, two from vocational secondary schools, and three from high schools. The technique of a synchronous online focus group interview was used, which was recorded and the data were transcribed. Data analysis was performed using the qualitative method of inductive-type thematic analysis. Determining the project topic, forming teacher teams and selecting students who will participate in the project were identified as the key challenges faced by teachers in preparing project-based learning. The teachers stated that their challenges during the implementation of the project-based learning included the time spent, opportunities for learning, and the attitude of others towards project-based learning. It was concluded that the perceived challenges should not discourage teachers, but should serve as a starting point for a deeper analysis and improvement of one’s own practice in the field of preparation and application of project-based learning.http://www.inovacijeunastavi.rs/en/38-2-3en/project-based learningteacherschallenges in teachinginterdisciplinarityteacher’s perceptionqualitative study
spellingShingle Dušan P. Ristanović
Biljana D. Radović
Мirko S. Marković
Challenges in preparing and implementing project-based learning – teachers’ experience
Inovacije u Nastavi
project-based learning
teachers
challenges in teaching
interdisciplinarity
teacher’s perception
qualitative study
title Challenges in preparing and implementing project-based learning – teachers’ experience
title_full Challenges in preparing and implementing project-based learning – teachers’ experience
title_fullStr Challenges in preparing and implementing project-based learning – teachers’ experience
title_full_unstemmed Challenges in preparing and implementing project-based learning – teachers’ experience
title_short Challenges in preparing and implementing project-based learning – teachers’ experience
title_sort challenges in preparing and implementing project based learning teachers experience
topic project-based learning
teachers
challenges in teaching
interdisciplinarity
teacher’s perception
qualitative study
url http://www.inovacijeunastavi.rs/en/38-2-3en/
work_keys_str_mv AT dusanpristanovic challengesinpreparingandimplementingprojectbasedlearningteachersexperience
AT biljanadradovic challengesinpreparingandimplementingprojectbasedlearningteachersexperience
AT mirkosmarkovic challengesinpreparingandimplementingprojectbasedlearningteachersexperience