Table 1 Competence analysis and coding method

Knowledge and understanding

Positive

Phrases containing positive reference to PSTs’ knowledge and understanding of PBL process

In my opinion, one of the most important things that I learned from the PBL process and which I will use in the future is not to be afraid of group work, even when students object.

Negative

Phrases containing negative reference to PSTs’ knowledge and understanding (lack of knowledge and understanding) of PBL process

I have never studied according to this [PBL] method, so I’m afraid I don’t really understand how it works.

Skills and abilities

Positive

Phrases containing positive reference to PSTs’ skills and abilities to implement PBL in their classrooms

After each stage, we experienced in the project, I felt my self-confidence strengthening, that my lessons were significant, and that my ability to teach the project was improving from one lesson to the next.

Negative

Phrases containing negative reference to PSTs’ skills and abilities (lack of skills and abilities) to implement PBL in their classrooms

I was terribly afraid that I would fail; I was afraid that I would not manage to cope in front of an entire class of students or convey the lesson properly.

Beliefs

Positive

Phrases containing positive reference to PBL as a teaching approach

PBL is innovative, breaks the routine, interesting and challenging for the teacher and students, which leads to full cooperation and motivation during the lesson.

Negative

Phrases containing negative reference to PBL as a teaching approach

As an idea it is excellent and has many benefits, but the reality knocks on the door, and the annual curriculum is based on efficiency and work. It is not possible to practice PBL and, at the same time, expect the pace learning to be as it is defined by the Ministry of Education.