Problem-based Learning: A Catalyst for Teacher and Student Motivation in K-12 Schools

The conventional, teacher-centered ways of teaching have given way to more contemporary, participatory techniques. Active learning, problem-based learning (PBL), and collaborative activities are becoming more prominent in order to increase student engagement. These methods support deeper comprehension and long-term information retention while fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and cooperation. Therefore, through a critical review of relevant literature, this paper presents the implementation process of PBL and the opinion of scholars on its impact on teacher and student motivation in K-12 settings. It is revealed that students who are motivated are often more involved in their learning process and produce superior academic results. Teachers are crucial in influencing the next generation and the level of instructional delivery is largely impacted by their commitment as well as motivation. It is critical to identify and address the motivating elements for teachers and students in the application of instructional methods. Therefore, this paper also creates a pathway for further empirical research.