Optimizing Student Learning Engagement through the Project-Based Learning Approach in the Sensor and Transducer Practicum

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the level of student engagement in the Sensor and Transducer Practicum class using the Project-Based Learning (PBL) instructional model. This research employs Classroom Action Research (CAR), also known as Classroom Action Research (PTK). The subjects of the study are 27 students enrolled in the Mechatronics Vocational Education program at the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Negeri Makassar (FT UNM), during the 2023–2024 academic year. The study is organized into three cycles, with two meetings in each cycle. Data were collected through documentation, learning outcomes, and observations. A qualitative descriptive analysis method was used to analyze the data. The findings show that the average student engagement in the first cycle was 72.0% based on observation data and 71.0% based on questionnaire data, resulting in an overall average of 71.01%. The second cycle was conducted to improve upon the results of the first cycle. In the second cycle, the average student engagement increased to 74.00% based on observations and yielded an overall average of 75.01%. To further enhance learning outcomes and validate the effectiveness of the PBL approach, a third cycle was implemented. In this cycle, the average student engagement reached 76.50% based on observation data and 77.00% based on questionnaire data, resulting in an overall average of 76.60%. These results demonstrate that the application of the Project-Based Learning model positively impacts student engagement in the classroom.