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Effectiveness of PBL on knowledge, attitudes, and waste-sorting behaviors among primary school students in Thailand

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigated the effectiveness of problem-based learning (PBL) as an innovative pedagogical approach to enhancing knowledge, environmental attitudes, and waste-sorting behaviors among primary school students in Thailand. A multi-site quasi-experimental design with pretest-posttest control groups was employed in urban and rural settings. Data were collected from 400 students across Bangkok, Suphanburi, and Lampang, equally divided into experimental and control groups. Instruments included a validated knowledge test, an environmental attitude scale, and a behavioral checklist. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results indicated significant improvements in the experimental group: knowledge increased by 2.23 points (Cohen’s d=1.52), attitudes by 0.59 points (d=0.68), and behaviors by 1.78 points (d=1.67). Mediation analysis confirmed that attitudes partially mediated the relationship between knowledge and behavior (β=0.35, 95% CI=[0.28, 0.43]). No significant differences were observed among the three study sites (p0.05), suggesting that PBL is equally effective in urban and rural schools. These findings provide empirical support for integrating PBL in environmental education, contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4 and SDG 12).

Source: Journal of Education and Learning (EduLearn)

DOI: 10.11591/edulearn.v20i4.26457

Authors: Chutiwan Boonarchatong, Saisuda Pantrakool, Phuripoj Kaewyong

Institution: Suan Dusit University

Language: English

Topic: Problem and Project Based Learning

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Quality education, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Suan Dusit University