Enhancing learners practical skills and perceptions through project-based learning in house electrical installation: A case study of G.S Nyagahandagaza, Kayonza District

Abstract

The study investigated the impact of PBL on learners’ practical skills and perceptions towards learning house electrical installation. It aimed to assess the impact of PBL on learners’ practical skills and perceptions in electricity installation. The study was guided by two questions: (i) What are the current learners’ practical skills and perceptions in the electricity installation course? (ii) How does the implementation of PBL affect learners’ practical skills and perceptions in electricity installation course? The research involved 418 ordinary-level learners, with a purposive sample of 89 senior three learners from GS Nyagahandagaza in Kayonza District of Rwanda. Senior three learners were selected as they had enough theoretical package to perform electric-related projects. A participatory Action Research (PAR) design was used in this study, following a four-stage cyclical process: planning, acting, observing and reflecting. During the intervention, learners were engaged in constructing model houses and implementing basic electrical circuits while the researcher recorded observations. Data were collected before and after the intervention using a practical activity observation tool and a structured survey of the 26 questionnaire items; 18 were administered both pre and post-intervention, while the remaining eight were answered only after the intervention. The collected data were analysed using Excel and SPSS. Findings indicated that PBL significantly enhances learners’ practical skills and positively influences their perceptions of learning electricity installation. It is found that PBL plays a great impact where all 89 learners got the improvement in perceptions and practical skills. The compared mean for data recorded from observation also showed that PBL help learners in applying what is studied in class at home. Educators and educational holders were recommended to consider the integration of PBL approaches in teaching and learning activities to improve learner engagement, foster deeper understanding, and build practical skills necessary for real-world applications.