Home⇛Universal Journal of Educational Research⇛vol. 5 no. 1 (2026)

Exploring the Impact of Project-Based Learning on Lifelong Learning Skills: Perspectives from Malaysian University Students

Shanti G Nair | Khor S Wei | Janet Linda G Martin

Discipline: Education

 

Abstract:

The main aim of the study is to analyse the effects of Project Based Learning (PBL) on students’ engagement, self-efficacy, retention, and ultimately, their readiness for life-long learning. An online survey was conducted in which 388 university students from Malaysia participated. The results from the correlation and multiple regression analyses demonstrate significant relationships between self-efficacy, engagement, knowledge retention and life-long learning skills. These findings confirm the theoretical model and provide empirical evidence for the research assumptions.



References:

  1. Aldabbus, S. (2018). PROJECT-BASED LEARNING: IMPLEMENTATION & CHALLENGES. International Journal of Education, Learning and Development, 6(3), 71–79. https://www.eajournals.org/wp-content/uploads/Project-Based-Learning-Implementation-Challenges.pdf 
  2. Alhassan, I., Asiamah, N., Opuni, F. F., & Alhassan, A. (2022). THE LIKERT SCALE: EXPLORING THE UNKNOWNS AND THEIR POTENTIAL TO MISLEAD THE WORLD. UDS International Journal of Development, 9(2), 867–880. https://doi.org/10.47740/586.UDSIJD6i
  3. Ash, A. (2021). The Effect of Project-based Learning on Student Motivation and The Effect of Project-based Learning on Student Motivation and 21st Century Skills 21st Century Skills. Spark - Bethel University. https://spark.bethel.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1744&context=etd 
  4. Boss, S., Larmer, J., & Mergendoller, J. (2015). Setting the standard for project based learning: a proven approach to rigorous classroom instruction. https://www.amazon.com/Setting-Standard-Project-Based-Learning/dp/1416620338 
  5. Creghan, C., & Adair-Creghan, K. (2015). The Positive Impact of Project-Based Learning on Attendance of an Economically Disadvantaged Student Population: A Multiyear Study. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning, 9(2). Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.7771/1541-5015.1496
  6. Cohen,J. (1988). Statistical Power Analysis for the Behavioral Sciences (2nd ed.). Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Retrieved from: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/. https://www.utstat.toronto.edu/brunner/oldclass/378f16/readings/CohenPower.pdf 
  7. Evenddy, S.S., Syafrizal, N.G. (2023). Exploring the Benefits and Challenges of Project-Based Learning in Higher Education. PPSDP International Journal of Education, 2(2), 458–469. https://doi.org/10.59175/pijed.v2i2.148 
  8. Fleaher, C., Kirk, G., Pisacane, P., & Hill, A. (2021). Project-based learning in a persistent COVID-19 environment Project based learning in a COVID environment:. . . ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/355132115_Project-based_Learning_in_a_Persistent_COVID-19_Environment_Project_Based_Learning_in_a_COVID_Environment_A_New_Normal_in_Engineering_Education#pf10
  9. Fernandes, S., Albuquerque, A. S., & Ferreira, M. J. (2025). The role of Project-Based Learning (PBL) to promote the development of student’s skills for lifelong learning. In Atlantis highlights in social sciences, education and humanities/Atlantis Highlights in Social Sciences, Education and Humanities (pp. 490–500). https://doi.org/10.2991/978-94-6463-686-4_34
  10. Green, S. B. (1991). How many subjects does it take to do a regression analysis. Multivariate Behavioral Research, 26(3), 499–510. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327906mbr2603_7Lopez-Garrido, G. (2025, May 1). Bandura’s Self-Efficacy Theory of Motivation in Psychology. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/self-efficacy.html
  11. Hamidani, K., Neo, T., Perumal, V., & Amphawan, A. (2025). Development of extended reality projects: the role of project-based experiential learning in fostering student engagement. Cogent Education, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186x.2025.2506872
  12. Hao, H., & Razak, R. a. (2025). Project-Based Approach and Language Learning Motivation in Higher Education: A Scoping Review. Educational Sciences Theory & Practice, 24(2), 169–183. https://doi.org/10.12738/jestp.2024.2.012
  13. Kapusuz, K. Y., & Can, S. (2014). A Survey on Lifelong Learning and Project-based Learning among Engineering Students. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 116, 4187–4192. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.01.914
  14. Khan, Z. A., Adnan, J., & Raza, S. A. (2023). Cognitive Learning Theory and Development: Higher Education case study. In IntechOpen eBooks. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.110629
  15. Kirby, J. R., Knapper, C., Lamon, P., & Egnatoff, W. J. (2010). Development of a scale to measure lifelong learning. International Journal of Lifelong Education, 29(3), 291–302. https://doi.org/10.1080/02601371003700584 
  16. Knight, P., & Yorke, M. (2004). Learning, curriculum and employability in higher education. Psychology Press.
  17. Kreijce, R.V., & Morgan, D.W. (1970). Determining sample size for research activities.  Educational and Psychological Measurement. 30. 
  18. Lin, C., Ma, J., & Kuo, K.Y. (2015) Examining the efficacy of project-based learning on cultivating the 21 century skills among high school students in a global context. Journal on School Educational Technology, 11(1). Retrieved from http://crawl.prod.proquest.com.s3.amazonaws.com/fpcache/536b48013dcd4b9e62bd814e8f0eb73e.pdf?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJF7V7KNV2KKY2NUQ&Expires=1452246554&Signature=%2BPT7cJtMksItKKJy%2B2HT1FMlMNM%3D
  19. Mayilyan, F., & Yedigaryan, K. (2022). THE EVOLUTION OF HUMAN CAPITAL THEORY. ALTERNATIVE, 68–79. https://doi.org/10.55528/18292828-2022.4-68
  20. Mills, J. (2015). Can social competence be taught to older children and young adults?  Retrieved from https://www.bera.ac.uk/blog/can-social-competence-be-taught-to-older-children-and-young-adults
  21. Nair, S. G., & Bhandar, M. (2022). IC-03 Impact of academic leaders on the teaching quality in Malaysian private universities. The 9th National and 7th International Conference on Research and Innovation Development for the Next Normal Society: Transition from the New Normal.
  22. Nunnally, J.C. (1978). An Overview of Psychological Measurement. In: Wolman, B.B. (eds) Clinical Diagnosis of Mental Disorders. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-2490-4_4 Nickerson, C. (2024, February 14). Social Constructionism Theory: Definition and Examples. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/social-constructionism.html
  23. Naseer, F., Tariq, R., Alshahrani, H. M., & et al. (2025). Project-based learning framework integrating industry collaboration to enhance student future readiness in higher education. Scientific Reports, 15, Article 24985. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-10385-4
  24. Pinto, J.K. (2013). Project Management – Achieving Competitive Advantage. USA: Pearson.
  25. Practical strategies for overcoming challenges in interdisciplinary project-based learning. (2024, January 3). THE Campus Learn, Share, Connect. https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/practical-strategies-overcoming-challenges-interdisciplinary-projectbased-learning 
  26. Puangpunsi, N. (2021). Learners’ Perception towards Project-Based Learning in Encouraging English Skills Performance and 21st Century Skills. THAITESOL JOURNAL 34(1), 34(1), 1–24. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1304647.pdf
  27. Saleem, N. A., Kausar, N. H., & Deeba, N. F. (2021). Social Constructivism: a new paradigm in teaching and learning environment. PERENNIAL JOURNAL OF HISTORY, 2(2), 403–421. https://doi.org/10.52700/pjh.v2i2.86 
  28. Shin, M.-H. (2018). Effects of Project-based Learning on Students’ Motivation and Self-efficacy. English Teaching, 73(1), 95–114. https://doi.org/10.15858/engtea.73.1.201803.95
  29. Strobel, J., & Van Barneveld, A. (2009). When is PBL More Effective? A Meta-synthesis of Meta-analyses Comparing PBL to Conventional Classrooms. ˜the œInterdisciplinary Journal of Problem-based Learning, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.7771/1541-5015.1046 
  30. Taber, K.S. (2018) The Use of Cronbach’s Alpha When Developing and Reporting Research Instruments in Science Education. Res Sci Educ 48, 1273–1296. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11165-016-9602-2
  31. Tiwari, R., Arya, R., & Bansal, M. (2017). Motivating students for project-based learning for application of research methodology skills. International Journal of Applied and Basic Medical Research, 7(5), 4. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijabmr.ijabmr_123_17
  32. We, S. M. (2020). Enhancing students speaking skills through Project-Based learning. Jurnal Ilmiah Lingua Idea/Lingua Idea, 11(2), 113. https://doi.org/10.20884/1.jli.2020.11.2.2931
  33. Yew, E. H., & Goh, K. (2016). Problem-Based Learning: An Overview of its Process and Impact on Learning. Health Professions Education, 2(2), 75–79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hpe.2016.01.004 
  34. Yilmaz, K. (2011). The Cognitive Perspective on Learning: Its theoretical underpinnings and implications for classroom practices. The Clearing House a Journal of Educational Strategies Issues and Ideas, 84(5), 204–212. https://doi.org/10.1080/00098655.2011.568989 
  35. Zhang, L., & Ma, Y. (2023). A study of the impact of project-based learning on student learning effects: a meta-analysis study. Frontiers in Psychology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1202728 
  36. Zhang, Y. (2022). A study on the effect of project-based teaching on the intrinsic motivation of private university students’ English learning. J. Sci. Educ. 13, 29SPi_ENDASH31. doi: 10.16400/j.cnki.kjdk.2022.13.010

Tools


Copyright © 2026  KITE Digital Educational Solutions |  Exclusively distributed by CE-Logic