IMPACT OF PROJECT-BASED LEARNING AND STUDENT CREATIVITY ON ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ABIA STATE

Abstract

The study examined the impact of project-based learning and student creativity on academic achievement of public secondary school students in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia state. The purpose of the study was to examine the extent to which PBL and student creativity impact students' academic achievement in Isiala Ngwa South LGA, identify the extent PBL and student creativity can enhance students' academic achievement in Isiala Ngwa South LGA and investigate the effectiveness of different PBL and creativity approaches in promoting academic achievement in Isiala Ngwa South LGA. Three research questions guided the study. The study was based on Albert Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory 1970. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Out of the population of 1,458 SS2 students schooling in the area, 145 students were randomly selected as the sample of the study which represented 10% of the entire population. Structured questionnaire duly validated by experts was used for data collection. Mean rating was used to analyze the data collected. Findings of the study showed among others that project-based learning and student creativity have great impact on students' academic achievement in Isiala Ngwa North LGA in different ways such as encourages active learning, helps students develops critical thinking skills, enhances collaboration skills, fosters creativity and innovation. Based on the findings, the study concluded that project-based learning and student creativity have a positive impact on academic achievement. The study, therefore recommended among other things that policymakers should introduce PBL as a teaching method in schools within Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area and Nigeria as a whole, and provide training to teachers on how to effectively implement PBL in the classroom. This would go a long way to enhance academic achievement and develop 21st-century skills among students.