Group Dynamics and Factors Influencing Student Success in Project-Based Learning-Based Entrepreneurship Course

  • Jodi Septiadi Akbar Politeknik Caltex Riau
Keywords: Project-Based Learning, Design Thinking, Entrepreneurship, Peer Assessment, Group Dynamics

Abstract

This study analyzes the implementation of Project-Based Learning (PjBL) integrated with a Design Thinking approach in assessing assignments for an Entrepreneurship course at a private higher education institution in Pekanbaru City. The study involved 146 students from five classes, organized into small groups of 3–5 members. Data collection methods included weekly logbooks, peer assessments, and project outcome evaluations comprising Design Thinking (20%), Business Model Canvas (20%), Market Validation (20%), Pitch Deck and Video Presentation (30%), and Member Participation (10%). The results indicate that 74.7% of students achieved a score of ≥80 (categorized as good to excellent). Key findings identified three critical factors: (1) solid group dynamics correlated positively with output quality; (2) "free rider" issues occurred in 12 groups, significantly impacting final scores; and (3) time management constraints emerged as the primary obstacle. Consequently, this research recommends implementing weekly checkpoints, technical workshops, and early intervention mechanisms to enhance the effectiveness of PjBL in entrepreneurship education.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Aditya Pratama, A., Harinanto, E., Faza, G., & Mulyati, S. (2022). Pelatihan dan Pengembangan Kemampuan Design Thinking Bagi Siswa SMA N 1 Sleman. SEWAGATI: Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Indonesia, 1(4), 61–76. https://doi.org/10.56910/sewagati.v1i4.268

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design. Sage.

Dincă, M., Luştrea, A., Craşovan, M., Oniţiu, A., & Berge, T. (2023). Students’ Perspectives on Team Dynamics in Project-Based Virtual Learning. SAGE Open, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440221147269

Ellis, R., Bliuc, A.-M., & Han, F. (2021). Challenges in assessing the nature of effective collaboration in blended university courses. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 37(1), 1–14.

Guo, P., Saab, N., Post, L. S., & Admiraal, W. (2020). A review of project-based learning in higher education: Student outcomes and measures. International Journal of Educational Research, 102, 101586. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2020.101586

Haq, S., Jalinus, N., & Giatman, M. (2024). Entrepreneurship Project-Based Practical Learning Model: Development and Implementation. TEM Journal, 2418–2428. https://doi.org/10.18421/TEM133-69

Hasmah, Syahrul, & Hasanah Nur. (2025). Pengaruh Model Pembelajaran Berbasis Proyek Terhadap Kepercayaan Diri Dan Kesiapan Wirausaha Siswa Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan. INNOVATIVE: Journal Of Social Science Research, 5(3), 2651–2663.

Hussein, B. (2022). The Impact of Grading on Student Motivation and Learning Outcome in Project-Based Learning. 2022 IEEE European Technology and Engineering Management Summit (E-TEMS), 131–135. https://doi.org/10.1109/E-TEMS53558.2022.9944512

Kanika, Chakraverty, S., Chakraborty, P., & Madan, M. (2023). Effect of different grouping arrangements on students’ achievement and experience in collaborative learning environment. Interactive Learning Environments, 31(10), 6366–6378. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2022.2036764

Le, H., Janssen, J., & Wubbels, T. (2018). Collaborative learning practices: teacher and student perceived obstacles to effective student collaboration. Cambridge Journal of Education, 48(1), 103–122. https://doi.org/10.1080/0305764X.2016.1259389

Martini, M., Sariani, S., Marzuki, D., Apriyanti, D., Damaiyanti, M., & Yusof, T. U. H. B. (2024). Project-Based Learning (PjBL) Practice in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Indonesia and Malaysia: A Comparative Study. European Modern Studies Journal, 8(1), 304–312. https://doi.org/10.59573/emsj.8(1).2024.27

Oakley, B., Felder, R. M., Brent, R., & Elhajj, I. (2004). Turning Student Groups into Effective Teams. Journal of Student Centered Learning, 2, 9–34. http://www.newforums.com.

Rehman, N., Huang, X., Mahmood, A., AlGerafi, M. A. M., & Javed, S. (2024). Project-based learning as a catalyst for 21st-Century skills and student engagement in the math classroom. Heliyon, 10(23). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e39988

Rideout, E. C., & Gray, D. O. (2013). Does Entrepreneurship Education Really Work? A Review and Methodological Critique of the Empirical Literature on the Effects of University-Based Entrepreneurship Education. Journal of Small Business Management, 51(3), 329–351. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsbm.12021

Zhang, L., & Ma, Y. (2023). A study of the impact of project-based learning on student learning effects: a meta-analysis study. In Frontiers in Psychology (Vol. 14). Frontiers Media SA. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1202728

Published
2026-10-24
How to Cite
Akbar, J. (2026). Group Dynamics and Factors Influencing Student Success in Project-Based Learning-Based Entrepreneurship Course. Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Kewirausahaan, 14(2), 261 - 273. https://doi.org/10.47668/pkwu.v14i2.2222
Section
Articles