Perceptions of Students and Lecturers on Project-Based Learning in Higher Education
DOI:
10.29303/jppipa.v11i8.11329Published:
2025-08-31Downloads
Abstract
This study examines the perceptions of students and lecturers on Project-Based Learning (PjBL) in environmental chemistry courses at Jambi University, Indonesia, to evaluate its effectiveness and challenges. A mixed-method survey was conducted with 30 students and 30 lecturers using Likert-scale questionnaires and open-ended questions. Data were analyzed descriptively and thematically. All lecturers (100%) adopted PjBL, but only 46.67% published student outcomes. Meanwhile, 78% of students reported improved problem-solving skills, though 40% struggled with theory-practice linkages. While PjBL enhances engagement and skills, gaps in guidance (only 63.33% of lecturers provided written guidelines) and institutional support hinder optimal implementation. PjBL is effective but requires structured frameworks and resource allocation to address time constraints and material complexity in Indonesian higher education
Keywords:
Environmental chemistry Higher education Lecturer perception Project-based learning Student perceptionReferences
Afriana, J., Permanasari, A., & Fitriani, A. (2016). Penerapan project based learning terintegrasi STEM untuk meningkatkan literasi sains siswa ditinjau dari gender. Jurnal Inovasi Pendidikan IPA. https://doi.org/10.21831/jipi.v2i2.8561
Akçayır, G., & Akçayır, M. (2018). The flipped classroom: A review of its advantages and challenges. Computers and Education. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2018.07.021
Arasaratnam-smith, L., & Hodson, C. (2021). student experiences : A qualitative analysis. 18(3).
Asyhar, R., & Minarni. (2023). Buku Ajar Kimia Lingkungan Berorientasi Green Chemistry Dengan Mengimplementasikan Project Based Learning.
Bell, S. (2010). Project-Based Learning for the 21st Century: Skills for the Future. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas. https://doi.org/10.1080/00098650903505415
Brady, D., & Voronova, K. (2023). Flipped Online Active Learning Environment for Large General Chemistry Courses. Journal of Chemical Education. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.2c00602
Capraro, R. M., Capraro, M. M., & Morgan, J. R. (2013). STEM Project-Based Learning: An Integrated Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Approach, Second Edition. In STEM Project-Based Learning: An Integrated Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Approach, Second Edition. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-6209-143-6
Chistyakov, A. A., Zhdanov, S. P., Avdeeva, E. L., Dyadichenko, E. A., Kunitsyna, M. L., & Yagudina, R. I. (2023). Exploring the characteristics and effectiveness of project-based learning for science and STEAM education. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 19(5). https://doi.org/10.29333/EJMSTE/13128
Daryanes, F., Zubaidah, S., Mahanal, S., & Sulisetijono. (2025). Building students’ research skills in environmental science courses with research team-based learning. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 21(1), em2567–em2567. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/15893
Epinur, E., & Minarni, M. (2023). Development of Student Worksheets on the Inquiry-Flipped Classroom Model on Addictive and Addictive Substance Material to Improve Student’s Argumentation Abilities. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v9i8.4499
Epinur, E., Yusnidar, Y., & Minarni, M. (2022). Development of Basic Chemistry Teaching Material Chemical Education Based on Entrepreneurship. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v8i6.2456
Epinur, Fuldiaratman, Miharti, I., & Minarni. (2024). Development of Scientific-Based Learning Devices Implemented in the Inquiry-Flipped Classroom Learning Model to Improve Science Literacy in Acid-Base Material. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 10(12), 10509–10517. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v10i12.9517
Habibah, L. B., Ibrohim, I., & Susilo, H. (2025). The effect of AI-assisted problem-oriented project-based learning on students’ critical thinking and communication skills. JPBI (Jurnal Pendidikan Biologi Indonesia), 11(2), 656–668. https://doi.org/10.22219/jpbi.v11i2.40667
Hmelo-Silver, C. E. (2004). Problem-based learning: What and how do students learn? In Educational Psychology Review. https://doi.org/10.1023/B:EDPR.0000034022.16470.f3
Janah, S. N., & Hidayah, R. (2025). Development of E-Worksheet Project-Based Learning on Green Chemistry Materials to Improve Students Creative Thinking Skills. Jurnal Pijar Mipa, 20(3), 488–493. https://doi.org/10.29303/jpm.v20i3.8891
Lenggogeni, K., & Mawardi, M. (2022). Effectiveness of a Flipped Classroom Based on Guided Inquiry Learning System on Acid-Base Solutions. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v8i4.1909
Minarni, Epinur, Fuldiaratman, Yusnidar, & Wardiah, R. (2022). Application of Project Based Learning Model on Basic Chemical Colloidal Materials to Improve Science Process Skills and Student Learning Outcomes. Budapest International Research and Critics Institute-Journal (BIRCI-Journal), 5(2), 17224–17232. https://doi.org/10.33258/birci.v5i2.5663
Minarni, M., Afrida, A., Epinur, E., & Putri, R. (2022). Improving the Process and Student Learning Outcomes of The Reaction Rate Material with Discovery Learning Model Assisted by Virtual Laboratory. Jurnal Pendidikan Kimia Indonesia. https://doi.org/10.23887/jpk.v6i1.37949
Nurdiana, L., Winaryati, E., Maharani, E. T. W., Ikhsan, Z. H., Rauf, R. A. A., & Salaffudin, A. (2024). Implementation of STEM-Integrated PjBL Based on Lesson Study: Improving Students’ Critical Thinking Skills. Journal of Educational Chemistry (JEC), 6(2), 71–84. https://doi.org/10.21580/jec.2024.6.2.22640
Pan, S. C., Han, J. Y., & Fung, F. M. (2024). Prequestioning Enhances Undergraduate Students ’ Learning in an Environmental Chemistry Course. 1–16.
Pratami, D., Akhmal, N. H., Maulana, M. I. I. M., & Hassan, S. A. H. S. (2024). Introducing Project-Based Learning Steps To the Preschool Teachers in Bandung, Indonesia. Journal of Technology and Science Education, 14(3), 883–902. https://doi.org/10.3926/jotse.2398
Purba, J., Panggabean, F. T. M., & Sutiani, A. (2024). Development of General Chemistry Teaching Materials Using the PjBL-STEM Model to Enhance Students’ Creative Thinking Skills. JTK (Jurnal Tadris Kimiya), 9(2), 149–158. https://doi.org/10.15575/jtk.v9i2.39318
Putra, A. K., Oktavia, I. A., Vanti, Q., Kristanti, D., Sari, N. Y., Amrullah, M. A., & Nabilah, G. E. (2024). Pengaruh Project Based Learning Berbasis Lingkungan Terhadap Literasi Lingkungan Peserta Didik. Didaktis: Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Ilmu Pengetahuan, 24(3), 194–205.
Quint, J., & Condliffe, B. (2018). Project-Based Learning: A Promising Approach to Improving Student Outcomes. MDRC.
Rabbani, G. F., Abdurrahman, Ertikanto, C., Herlina, K., Rosidin, U., Umam, A. N., Nurjanah, A., Chairunnisya, S., Sulistiani, & Azizah, M. (2023). Design Thinking Strategy Integrated PjBL-STEM in Learning Program: Need Analysis to Stimulate Creative Problem-Solving Skills on Renewable Energy Topic. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v9i11.5708
Risnawati, R., & Purwaningsih, D. (2025). Effectiveness of E-Modules Based Learning on Project Based Learning in Chemistry Learning: A Meta-analysis. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 11(5), 92–99. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v11i5.8306
Setiawan, V. R., Situmorang, M., & Silaban, R. (2025). Project-based learning with STEM to promote higher order thinking skills as a strategy to improve high school chemistry learning outcomes. Chemistry Teacher International, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1515/cti-2025-0025
Simbolon, R., & Koeswanti, H. D. (2020). Comparison Of Pbl (Project Based Learning) Models With Pbl (Problem Based Learning) Models To Determine Student Learning Outcomes And Motivation. International Journal of Elementary Education, 4(4), 519–529. https://ejournal.undiksha.ac.id/index.php/IJEE
Thomas, J. W., & D, P. (2000). A Review Of Research On Project-Based Learning. Learning.
Vaz, C. R. S., Morais, C., Pastre, J. C., & Júnior, G. G. (2025). Teaching Green Chemistry in Higher Education: Contributions of a Problem-Based Learning Proposal for Understanding the Principles of Green Chemistry. Sustainability (Switzerland), 17(5). https://doi.org/10.3390/su17052004
Walther, J., Sochacka, N. W., & Kellam, N. N. (2013). Quality in interpretive engineering education research: Reflections on an example study. Journal of Engineering Education, 102(4), 626–659. https://doi.org/10.1002/jee.20029
Yuanti, Y., Nurhidayah, N., Hanim, S. A., & Akbar, K. F. (2025). Analysis of the Effectiveness of Project-Based Learning in Improving 21st Century Skills of Students in Indonesian Higher Education Institutions. Jurnal BELAINDIKA (Pembelajaran Dan Inovasi Pendidikan), 7(1), 34–47. https://doi.org/10.52005/belaindika.v7i1.382
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Minarni Khudri, Rayandra Asyhar, Haryanto, Bambang Hariyadi

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC-BY License). This license allows authors to use all articles, data sets, graphics, and appendices in data mining applications, search engines, web sites, blogs, and other platforms by providing an appropriate reference. The journal allows the author(s) to hold the copyright without restrictions and will retain publishing rights without restrictions.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).






