Improving Knowledge of Heredity Concept Using Discovery-Inquiry Method: An Example of Class-Room Action Research

Abstract

ABSTRACT : This Class-room action research was aimed at overcoming pedagogical problems in the teaching of heredity concept using discovery-inquiry method among the students of XII grade (IPA-1) of MAN 1 Purwokerto. It was conducted in three teaching cycles. Each cycle consists of four actions, they were: planning, acting, observing and reflecting. The result showed that students’ knowledge in understanding the concept of heredity pattern increased. This increase was shown by some indicators, like the improvement of teaching activities, the rise of student participation in the teaching process as well as the progress of students’ learning achievement scores. Observation or investigation activities increased from 32.5% to 55%. Meanwhile, finding or searching activities increased from 28.75% to 50% and the activities of concept formulation increased from 13.7% to 25%. Contributive participation in asking questions increased from 15% to 37.5% and contributive participation in giving opinion increased from 11.25% to 27.50%. Furthermore, contributive participation in rebutting increased from 1.25% to 11.25%, while initiative participation in doing exercises increased from 40% to 68.75%. It was concluded that in this class-room action research, the use of discovery-inquiry method could improve the knowledge of heredity concept among XII grade students of MAN 1 Purwokerto. KEY WORDS : discovery-inquiry method, improving knowledge, contributive participation, initiative participation, and learning achievement. About the Author: T eguh Julianto, S.Pd., M.Si . is a Lecturer at the Department of Biology Education, Faculty of Education and Teacher Training (FKIP) Muhammadiyah University of Purwokerto (UMP) in Central Java, Indonesia. His e-mail address is t36uh_ump@yahoo.co.id How to cite this article? Julianto, Teguh. (2009). “Improving Knowledge of Heredity Concept Using Discovery-Inquiry Method: An Example of Class-Room Action Research” in EDUCARE: International Journal for Educational Studies , Vol.1(2) February, pp.187-194. Bandung, Indonesia: Minda Masagi Press owned by ASPENSI in Bandung, West Java; and FKIP UMP in Purwokerto, Central Java, ISSN 1979-7877. Chronicle of the article: Accepted (November 17, 2008); Revised (January 7, 2009); and Published (February 17, 2009).