The effect of project based learning on prospective science teachers' achievement about photosynthesis

In this study, the effect of project based learning method on student success in learning the subject of "photosynthesis" in general biology lesson was examined. Experimental research method was used in the study which was conducted with second year students of Science Teaching in İnönü University in 2014-2015 academic year. While teaching in accordance with traditional teaching approach was performed in control group students (2B), students in the experimental group (2A) were taught in accordance with principles of project based learning approach. A total of 47 students participated in the study as 20 students in the control group and 27 students in the experimental group. The application took a total of 8 weeks as 2 hours a week. The students in the experimental group formed their project products by presenting 5 posters following their project work. In the study, an academic success test, which was developed by the researcher, had a reliability coefficient of 0.739 and involved 30 items, was used as a data collection tool. The independent and dependent t-test was performed with the obtained data in order to compare the academic successes of the control and experimental groups. As a result of the findings obtained, no significant difference was found between the pre test success scores of control and experimental groups. The results also showed that when the pre test success scores before the application and post test success scores after the application were compared, a significant increase occurred in the academic success of the students in both application groups. No significant difference was observed between the academic success scores of the experimental group students, to whom project based learning approach was applied, and control group students. Keywords: Project Based Learning, Traditional Method, Photosynthesis, Academic Success