Training on the Implementation of Project-Based Learning Models for Elementary School Teachers to Improve 21st Century Skills

Abstract

The challenges of 21st-century education require teachers to possess pedagogical competencies capable of fostering critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills in students. Unfortunately, many elementary school teachers have not yet optimally implemented learning approaches that support the development of these skills. This community service program aims to improve teachers' understanding and skills in implementing the Project-Based Learning (PjBL) model that is relevant to the demands of 21st-century learning. The activity was carried out in the form of intensive training for 30 teachers from various elementary schools in West Bandung Regency. This training refers to the theory of constructivism (Vygotsky, 1978) and authentic learning (Thomas, 2000), and is enriched with the results of the latest research on the effectiveness of PjBL in elementary learning. The methods used were participatory training, demonstrations, simulations, and reflection through pretests and posttests and observation sheets. Evaluation results showed a significant increase in aspects of conceptual understanding and readiness to implement the PjBL model. This program also formed a community of practitioners to encourage collaboration among teachers in designing and implementing learning projects. In conclusion, this training successfully enhanced teachers' professional capacity and contributed to efforts to transform primary education to adapt to modern demands.