Investigating the Effect of Electronic Project-based Learning Strategy on Elementary Students' Executive Functions in Science Lessons

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 1. Corresponding author, Associate Professor, Department of Educational Technology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Allameh Tabatabaei University, Tehran, Iran

2 Master's student in Educational Technology, Allameh Tabatabaei University, Tehran, Iran

10.22084/j.psychogy.2025.30162.2750

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of electronic project-based learning strategy on executive functions (cognitive flexibility and planning) of primary school students in science lessons. The statistical population of this study consisted of fifth grade primary school students in Tehran in the academic year 1402-03.
Methods: The method used was a quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test with a control group. Using the convenience sampling method, 36 students were selected, of which 18 students were non-randomly placed in the experimental group and 18 students in the control group. The data collection tool for measuring the two components of cognitive flexibility and planning for executive functions was the Tower of Hanoi software version. The experimental group completed 9 project-based training sessions in an electronic environment, one of which was dedicated to teaching how to work with the educational space and how to send activities in an electronic environment.
Results: The findings from the analysis of covariance indicate a positive effect of conducting science projects in an electronic context on improving cognitive flexibility (P<0.05 and F=16.9) and planning (P<0.05 and F=18) of fifth grade primary school students in science lessons. In general, it can be said that the correct use of new technologies can significantly affect student success; in this regard, using an electronic project-based learning strategy leads to improving cognitive flexibility and planning in primary school students.
Conclusions: Finally, it is suggested that an electronic project-based learning strategy be used to improve executive functions in the components of cognitive flexibility and planning in primary school science lessons.

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Main Subjects

References

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