Teaching science and technologies using a project-based approach: what is implied and how can we justify using this approach?
The article is concerned with the use of a project-based approach in teaching science and technologies in elementary and secondary schools. In particular, it is concerned with understanding how this teaching approach is defined and justified by the scholars interested in this issue. The analysis of 76 articles published in 16 scientific journals demonstrates that a limited number of attributes and justification components are used in the authors’ discourse. The pursuit of disciplinary learning occupies an important place. The analysis also differentiates the components dealing with disciplinary objectives and learning from those dealing with the means and conditions required when using this teaching approach. The article also stresses the importance of undertaking studies on the practices used in the classroom where this approach is applied.