Problem-Project based Learning Model for Improving Entrepreneurship Character and Reasoning Ability of Mathematics Education Students

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21831/jrpm.v12i2.88122

Keywords:

Learning Model, Problem-based learning, Project-based learning, Enterpreneurship, Character

Abstract

Mathematics learning has not yet integrated students’ entrepreneurial character and reasoning abilities. In response, this study aimed to develop a Problem–Project Based Learning (PPjBL) model to strengthen both aspects within the Linear Programming course. The PPjBL model was developed using the Borg & Gall research and development framework through stages of design, validation, and classroom trials. The final PPjBL syntax consists of six stages: problem orientation, organizing students for learning, guiding investigation, designing the project, implementing the project, and documenting project reports. Results from expert validation and two implementation trials showed that the model is practical and effective. The entrepreneurial character of students improved from the “start to grow” to the “being habit”. Meanwhile, mathematical reasoning ability increased in the high category, indicating progress in problem formulation, logical construction, deduction, interpretation, and generalization. These findings affirm that PPjBL serves as a transformative pedagogical framework capable of integrating cognitive reasoning and affective character development through authentic learning experiences. The model positions students as active problem solvers through engagement with real-world entrepreneurial problems. Future research may extend the application of PPjBL to other mathematical domains, emphasizing the cultivation of critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration as integrated outcomes of holistic mathematical education.

References

A. Triantafyllou, S. (2022). Constructivist Learning Environments. 5th International Conference on Advanced Research in Teaching and Education, August, 1–6. https://doi.org/10.33422/5th.icate.2022.04.10

Albar, S. B., & Southcott, J. E. (2021). Problem and project-based learning through an investigation lesson: Significant gains in creative thinking behaviour within the Australian foundation (preparatory) classroom. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 41(May), 100853. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2021.100853

Altindis, N. (2025). Networking theories of quantitative reasoning and mathematical reasoning to explore students’ understanding of functions. The Journal of Mathematical Behavior, 80, 101276. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmathb.2025.101276

Alzaabi, I. (2022). Could You Teach Critical Thinking Through Project-Based Learning? Finding the Answers Through a Meta-Analysis. EDULEARN22 Proceedings, 1(July), 92–98. https://doi.org/10.21125/edulearn.2022.0030

Amna Saleem, Kausar, H., & Farah Deeba. (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

Anwar, I., & Saleem, I. (2019). Exploring entrepreneurial characteristics among university students: an evidence from India. Asia Pacific Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 13(3), 282–295. https://doi.org/10.1108/apjie-07-2018-0044

Badan Pusat Statistik. (2024). Data Sosial Ekonomi. In Badan Pusat Statistik Nasional Indonesia (Vol. 14, Issue 2).

Bagis, A. A. (2022). Building students’ entrepreneurial orientation through entrepreneurial intention and workplace spirituality. Heliyon, 8(11), e11310. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11310

Beneroso, D., & Robinson, J. (2022). Online project-based learning in engineering design: Supporting the acquisition of design skills. Education for Chemical Engineers, 38(March), 38–47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ece.2021.09.002

Condliffe, B., Quint, J., Visher, M. G., Bangser, M. R., Drohojowska, S., Saco, L., & Nelson, E. (2017). Project-based Learning: a Literature Review. In Building Knowledge to Improve Social Policy (Issue P-12 Education). https://www.mdrc.org/publication/project-based-learning

Erdem, C., Kaya, M., Tunç Toptaş, H., & Altunbaşak, İ. (2025). Problem-based learning and student outcomes in higher education: a second-order meta-analysis. Studies in Higher Education, 24(March), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2025.2498084

Fassbender, U., Papenbrock, J., & Pilz, M. (2022). Teaching entrepreneurship to life-science students through Problem Based Learning. International Journal of Management Education, 20(June), 100685. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijme.2022.100685

Graaff, E. de, & Kolmos, A. (2007). Management of change: Implementation of Problem-Based and Project-Based Learning in Engineering. In Industrial and Commercial Training (Vol. 6, Issue 6). SensePublishers. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb003401

Guevara, J. L., & Patel, R. (2021). Optimization of steam injection in SAGD using reinforcement learning. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0920410521003958

Hanif, S., Wijaya, A. F. C., & Winarno, N. (2019). Enhancing Students’ Creativity through STEM Project-Based Learning. Journal of Science Learning, 2(2), 50–57. https://doi.org/10.17509/jsl.v2i2.13271

Himmi, N., Armanto, D., & Amry, Z. (2025). Implementation of Project Based Learning (PjBL) in Mathematics Education: A Systematic Analysis of International Practices and Theoretical Foundations. Science Insights Education Frontiers, 26(2), 4305–4321. https://doi.org/10.15354/sief.25.or699

Junainah, N., Isa, M., Jusoh, A. J., Shah, M. M., & Razali, M. (2015). Problem-Based Learning: Mandatory Personal Qualities of Effective Facilitators. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 13(2), 88–96.

Kim, M., & Pegg, J. (2019). Case analysis of children’s reasoning in problem-solving process. International Journal of Science Education, 41(6), 739–758. https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2019.1579391

King, B., & Smith, C. (2020). Using Project-Based Learning to Develop Teachers for Leadership. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas, 93(3), 158–164. https://doi.org/10.1080/00098655.2020.1735289

Kolb, A., & Kolb, D. (2017). Experiential Learning Theory as a Guide for Experiential Educators in Highe...: DISCOVER for Books, Articles and Media. A Journal for Engaged Educators, 1(1), 7–44.

Kolmos, A. (2009). Problem-Based and Project-Based Learning: Institutional and Global Change (pp. 261–262).

Manikandan, & CP, A. (2025). Optimizing Decision-Making in Business Management Using Mathematical Modelling and Data Analysis. International Journal of Scientific Research in Engineering and Management, 09(07), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.55041/ijsrem51692

Mugambi, M. M. (2018). Linking Constructivism Theory to Classroom Practice. International Journal of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education, 5(9), 96–104. https://doi.org/10.20431/2349-0381.0509014

Mwasalwiba, E. S. (2010). Entrepreneurship education: A review of its objectives, teaching methods, and impact indicators. Education and Training, 52(1), 20–47. https://doi.org/10.1108/00400911011017663

Nacario, J. B., & Pedraza, J. G. V. (2025). Entrepreneurial Mathematical Skills, Mathematical Self-Efficacy, and Decision-Making Behavior among Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology (BSIT) Students. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Sciences (IJRISS), IX(IIIS July), 5490–5507. https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS

OECD. (2024). Pisa 2022 Results: The State of Learning and Equity in Education. In Perfiles Educativos (Volume I, Vol. 46, Issue 183). OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.22201/iisue.24486167e.2024.183.61714

Onoshakpokaiye, O. E. (2021). Functional Mathematics Education: A Tool for Developing Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Self Reliance of Nigerian Graduates. Contemporary Mathematics and Science Education, 2(1), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.30935/conmaths/9678

Opstad, L. (2018). Success in business studies and mathematical background: the case of Norway. Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, 10(3), 399–408. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1108/JARHE-11-2017-0136

Osunbunmi, I. S., & Fang, N. (2022). Work in Progress: An Early Look Into the Systematic Review of Project-Based Learning in Engineering Education. ASEE Annual Conference Excellence Through Diversity, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2--40681

Palácios, R. A. F., Paz Montes, L. S., & Alvarez Paz, D. M. (2019). Mathematical entrepreneurship in educational institutions. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1408(012019), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1408/1/012019

Palmér, H., & Johansson, M. (2018). Combining entrepreneurship and mathematics in primary school–what happens? Education Inquiry, 9(4), 331–346. https://doi.org/10.1080/20004508.2018.1461497

Pritadrajati, D. S., Kusuma, A. C. M., & Saxena, S. C. (2021). Scarred for life: Lasting consequences of unemployment and informal self-employment: An empirical evidence from Indonesia. Economic Analysis and Policy, 70(2), 206–219. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eap.2021.02.009

Rosendahl Huber, L., Sloof, R., Van Praag, M., & Parker, S. C. (2020). Diverse cognitive skills and team performance: A field experiment based on an entrepreneurship education program. Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization, 177, 569–588. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jebo.2020.06.030

Samsudin, M. A., Jamali, S. M., Zain, A. N. M., & Ebrahim, N. A. (2020). The effect of STEM project based learning on self-efficacy among high-school physics students. Journal of Turkish Science Education, 17(1), 94–108. https://doi.org/10.36681/tused.2020.15

Sasson, I., Yehuda, I., & Malkinson, N. (2018). Fostering the skills of critical thinking and question-posing in a project-based learning environment. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 29, 203–212. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2018.08.001

Shpeizer, R. (2019). Towards a successful integration of project-based learning in higher education: Challenges, technologies and methods of implementation. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 7(8), 1765–1771. https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2019.070815

Sikhosana, S., & Motsepe, H. L. (2025). A study into higher-order thinking skills for successful entrepreneurs. International Journal of Science and Research Archive, 16(1), 605–612. https://doi.org/10.30574/ijsra.2025.16.1.2052

Sun, J. (2023). Implementing and Facilitating STEAM Problem-Based Learning From the Perspective of Teacher Leadership. Asia Pacific Journal of Educators and Education, 38(2), 221–248. https://doi.org/10.21315/apjee2023.38.2.12

Taufikin, T. (2017). Pembentukan Karakter Melalui Pembelajaran Problem Based Learning. Thufula: Jurnal Inovasi Pendidikan Guru Raudhatul Athfal, 5(1), 204–221. https://doi.org/10.21043/thufula.v5i1.2417

Tiurina, A., Nahornyi, V., Ruban, O., Tymoshenko, M., Vedenieiev, V., & Terentieva, N. (2022). Problems and Prospects of Human Capital Development in Post-Industrial Society. Postmodern Openings, 13(3), 412–424. https://doi.org/10.18662/po/13.3/497

Triatmanto, B., & Bawono, S. (2023). The interplay of corruption, human capital, and unemployment in Indonesia: Implications for economic development. Journal of Economic Criminology, 2(February), 100031. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jeconc.2023.100031

Udonsa, A. E. (2015). The Role of Mathematics Education in the Development of Entrepreneurial Skills for Self Reliance among Nigerian Youths. International Journal of Economic Development Research and Investment, 6(1), 34–37.

Published

2025-11-18

How to Cite

S, P., Djafar, S., & Nurwijaya, S. (2025). Problem-Project based Learning Model for Improving Entrepreneurship Character and Reasoning Ability of Mathematics Education Students . Jurnal Riset Pendidikan Matematika, 12(2). https://doi.org/10.21831/jrpm.v12i2.88122