Interdisciplinary project-based learning: technology for improving student cognition

Natalia Stozhko; Boris Bortnik; Ludmila Mironova; Albina Tchernysheva; Ekaterina Podshivalova

doi:10.3402/rlt.v23.27577

Interdisciplinary project-based learning: technology for improving student cognition

Natalia Stozhko Ural State University of Economics, Yekaterinburg
Boris Bortnik Ural State University of Economics, Yekaterinburg
Ludmila Mironova Ural State University of Economics, Yekaterinburg
Albina Tchernysheva Ural State University of Economics, Yekaterinburg
Ekaterina Podshivalova Ural State University of Economics, Yekaterinburg

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v23.27577

Keywords: higher education, learning technology, computer-assisted learning, cognitive level

Abstract

The article studies a way of enhancing student cognition by using interdisciplinary project-based learning (IPBL) in a higher education institution. IPBL is a creative pedagogic approach allowing students of one area of specialisation to develop projects for students with different academic profiles. The application of this approach in the Ural State University of Economics resulted in a computer-assisted learning system (CALS) designed by IT students. The CALS was used in an analytical chemistry course with students majoring in Commodities Management and Expertise (‘expert’ students). To test how effective the technology was, the control and experimental groups were formed. In the control group, learning was done with traditional methods. In the experimental group, it was reinforced by IPBL. A statistical analysis of the results, with an application of Pearson χ² test, showed that the cognitive levels in both IT and ‘expert’ experimental groups improved as compared with the control groups. The findings demonstrated that IPBL can significantly enhance learning. It can be implemented in any institution of higher or secondary education that promotes learning, including the CALS development and its use for solving problems in different subject areas.

Keywords: higher education; learning technology; computer-assisted learning; cognitive level

(Published: 17 November 2015)

Citation: Research in Learning Technology 2015, 23: 27577 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v23.27577

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Published

2015-11-17

How to Cite

Stozhko N., Bortnik B., Mironova L., Tchernysheva A., & Podshivalova E. (2015). Interdisciplinary project-based learning: technology for improving student cognition. Research in Learning Technology, 23. https://doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v23.27577

Download Citation

Issue

Vol. 23 (2015)

Section

Original Research Articles

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Authors contributing to Research in Learning Technology retain the copyright of their article and at the same time agree to publish their articles under the terms of the Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) allowing third parties to copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format, and to remix, transform, and build upon the material, for any purpose, even commercially, under the condition that appropriate credit is given, that a link to the license is provided, and that you indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.