The effect of project-based learning approach on entrepreneurship skills in social sciences education: A mixed method research

In this research, it is aimed to examine the effect of Project Based Learning (PBL) Approach on the entrepreneurship skills of secondary school students in Social Studies teaching. For this purpose, sequential explanatory mixed design, which is one of the mixed method designs in which both qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques are used together, was used. The "Entrepreneurship Scale for Secondary School Students" prepared by Eroğlu, Deveci and Gürdoğan, (2020) and the Personal Information Form prepared by the researcher were used as quantitative data collection tools. Qualitative data were obtained using a semi-structured interview form. In the study, the study group was determined by using the convenient sampling method, which is one of the non-random sampling methods. In this context, one of the two classes studying in the 5th grade in a primary school in the city center of Erzincan was determined as the experimental group (N14) and the other as the control group (N14). During the implementation process, the lessons were taught with Project-Based Learning Approach in the experimental group, while they were taught in accordance with the curriculum in the control group. As a result of the research, when the pretest and posttest scores of the experimental and control groups were compared, it was concluded that the entrepreneurship skills of the experimental group students differed statistically significantly compared to the control group students. According to the results of the qualitative dimension of the research; It has been observed that Project-Based Learning Approach is an effective method for creativity, innovation, risk-taking-courage, and recognition of successful entrepreneurs and professions. As a result, it can be said that Project-Based Learning Approach in Social Studies teaching is an effective approach in gaining entrepreneurship skills to secondary school students. Keywords: Social Studies, Project Based Learning Approach, Entrepreneurship, Skill.