Inquiry-Based Instruction in Science among Grade 8 Students in Rizal National High School, Surigao City Division

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of inquiry-based instruction compared to a conventional approach in enhancing science learning among Grade 8 students. A quasi-experimental design was employed, involving 76 students from Rizal National High School, Surigao City Division, who were divided into control (conventional instruction) and experimental (inquiry-based instruction) groups. The DepEd Caraga Region Sukdanan standard test was utilized to measure academic performance in science before and after the intervention. Data analysis, using weighted mean, standard deviation, t-test, and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), revealed significant improvements in both groups. However, the experimental group, exposed to inquiry-based instruction, exhibited a more pronounced increase in scores (pre-test mean: 15.55 to post-test mean: 32.82) compared to the control group (pre-test mean: 15.32 to post-test mean: 22.18). Both t-tests and ANCOVA confirmed the statistical significance of these gains (p < 0.05), with the inquiry-based approach demonstrating a particularly strong impact on student learning outcomes. The findings underscore the potential of inquiry-based instruction as a valuable pedagogical tool for promoting science learning. This approach, which emphasizes student-centered exploration and discovery, appears to foster a deeper understanding of scientific concepts compared to traditional methods. The study suggests that integrating inquiry-based strategies into science curricula can significantly enhance student achievement and engagement.