Inquiry-based Learning Environment Research Articles

The awareness of faculty members at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University of the use of the e-learning platform in light of the outbreak of the COVID 19 virus and their attitudes towards inquiry-based learning: وعي أعضاء هيئة التدريس في جامعة الأمير سطام بن عبد العزيز باستخدام منصة التعلم الإلكتروني في ظل تفشي فيروس COVID 19 واتجاهاتهم نحو التعلم بالاستقصاء

This study aimed to measure the awareness of faculty members at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University of the use of the e-learning platform in light of the outbreak of the COVID 19 virus and their attitudes towards inquiry-based learning. The researcher used the descriptive approach, semi-experimental, and statistical demographic variables to suit her for the purposes of the study. The study sample consisted of (100) members of the teaching staff of Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, who were chosen in a stratified random manner. The researcher calculated the stability coefficient of the internal consistency of the questionnaire with its four dimensions and calculated the coefficient of internal consistency of the other questionnaire in its three dimensions. The researcher also used the statistical demographic variables prepared by the Deanship of Information Technology at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University during the period of suspension of the study. The most important results of the study were as follows: The degree of awareness of faculty members at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University on the e-learning platform "BlackBoard" on the overall questionnaire was high, with an average score of (3,41) and the attitudes of the faculty members at Prince Sattam University in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia towards inquiry-based learning environment were high, with a mean (3.65), because the survey strategy is an educational process that allows students to use survey skills and support self-learning skills that are To satisfy curiosity, organize knowledge and generate ideas. Recommendations: Searching for obstacles and setting appropriate solutions for them to achieve goals and quality in the educational process via the Internet (Blackboard(, and Developing the skills of faculty members and students alike via the Internet (Blackboard). &Emphasizing the professional development of a faculty member via the Internet (BlackBoard). Finally Encouraging online inquiry-based learning environment (Blackboard).

Fostering senior primary school students’ understanding of climate change in an inquiry-based learning environment

ABSTRACT This quasi-experimental study explored the impact of inquiry-based instruction on students’ conceptions of climate change and their perceptions of science learning environment. A total of 68 senior primary school students participated into the study. Data sources included Questionnaire on Global Climate Change and Constructivist Learning Environment Survey. Data were coded and analysed using quantitative procedures. Before the instruction, about 25% of the participants were aware of the major consequences of, causes of and possible cures for climate change. Following the instruction, about 50–85% of the participants developed scientific understandings about climate change, but the participants showed slow progress in terms of identifying nonscientific conceptions concerning climate change. In addition, students perceived inquiry-based learning environment more encouraging compared to their regular science classes.

An exploration of inquiry-based authentic learning enabled by mobile technology for primary science

The rapid development of mobile technologies has been shown to assist in science learning, but more research is needed on the pedagogical integration of such technologies into authentic learning in a formal science curriculum. Thus, we conducted a study on exploring the impact of a learning platform nQuire-it together with its scientific mobile sensors in an authentic and inquiry-based learning environment on students' science learning. To examine the effectiveness of this learning platform and its mobile sensors, a mixed methods study was conducted for analysing students' performance in science inquiry, conceptual understanding and ability to connect content knowledge with daily life experiences. The results suggested that the learning platform together with scientific mobile sensors supported students' authentic science learning in following dimensions: academic performance, learning motivation, interest in learning and ability to link knowledge gained in and outside the classroom.

Designing inquiry-based learning environments for quantum physics education in secondary schools

This paper describes the design process for a digital instructional sequence on introductory quantum physics for upper secondary education. Based on a collaboration between teachers and physics education researchers, this sequence incorporates relevant theoretical foundations from the field of science teaching to promote meaningful and conceptual learning of quantum physics. The sequence is composed of units, which are being developed using the Go-Lab ecosystem (www.golabz.eu), a free online platform for teachers to create digital inquiry-based lessons. So far, the sequence covers the photoelectric effect, wave-particle duality, and tunnelling phenomena. This paper focuses on the sequence’s first unit, addressing the photoelectric effect. The unit is used in this paper to exemplify the incorporation of the sequence’s theoretical foundations: digital inquiry-based learning with simulations, collaborative learning, and conceptual change. The unit was pilot-tested with 114 students in four Dutch high schools. Answers to multiple-choice and open-ended questions were collected through the Go-Lab platform. Analyses showed the unit’s potential to promote correct reasoning about the role of the intensity and frequency variables and revealed students’ difficulties in grasping light’s particle nature at the end of the lesson. These preliminary results are used to draw conclusions about how to improve this unit and inform the design of new instructional sequences.

Examining the hard, peer, and teacher scaffolding framework in inquiry-based technology-enhanced learning environments: impact on academic achievement and group performance

The purpose of this study was to examine how students’ academic achievement and group performance related to their perceptions of the usefulness of hard, peer, and teacher scaffolds. A single instrumental case approach that integrated quantitative and qualitative analysis was employed for this study, which involved data gathered from 163 students in a ninth-grade biology course. Statistical results suggest that the students’ perceived usefulness of hard scaffolding, followed by peer scaffolding, was the most significant variable to predict individual academic achievement. However, only the perceived usefulness of peer scaffolding was found to be a significant predictor of group performance. This finding empirically points to the positive impact that student perceptions of the usefulness of hard, peer, and teacher scaffolds may have on students’ individual academic achievement and group performance in IBL (inquiry-based learning) activities.

Evaluation of students’ scientific process skills through reflective worksheets in the inquiry-based learning environments

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to evaluate how 7th-grade students’ scientific process skills changed in the inquiry-based learning environment through reflective worksheets. For this purpose, four inquiry-based activities related to electrical circuits were developed. Forty students enrolled in 7th grade in a public school in a mid-size city of Turkey located in the north-west region participated in the study, and they are randomly stratified into eight groups. While students carried out the activities, they used reflective worksheets, including two parts, for reflection of the development of their scientific process skills. Instructions were conducted for four weeks, and all the 32 reflective worksheets were evaluated by using the assessment rubric (for Part-I) and content analysis (for Part-II). The results obtained from both parts of the reflective worksheets showed that inquiry-based learning activities promoted students’ scientific process skills such as defining the problem, formulating a hypothesis, observing and interpreting results during the inquiry-based learning process. Students also improved in terms of ability such as using scientific terms, drawing scientific and comprehensible figures, and making scientific explanations. In addition to these, it was found that students had more positive opinions about the learning process.

Correction to: Mathematical Practices of Eighth Graders about 3D Shapes in an Argumentation, Technology, and Design-Based Classroom Environment

This design research investigated the mathematical practices that eight graders (14-year-old students) developed when learning about prisms, cylinders, and their surface areas. An inquiry-based learning environment was created for students to engage in argumentation. The instruction was enriched by use of a dynamic geometry software, namely GeoGebra, to assist students in visualizing and reasoning about 3D shapes. Rasmussen and Stephan’s three-phase method (2008) was used to organize the collected data, which in turn were analyzed using Krummheuer’s model of argumentation (2015). The results indicated the emergence of three mathematical practices and several taken-as-shared ideas: (1) defining prisms, (2) computing the surface area of a prism, and (3) computing the surface area of a cylinder. The study’s results revealed that students’ understanding improved when learning concepts simultaneously with argumentation and dynamic geometry software.

Mathematical Practices of Eighth Graders about 3D Shapes in an Argumentation, Technology, and Design-Based Classroom Environment

This design research investigated the mathematical practices that eight graders (14-year-old students) developed when learning about prisms, cylinders, and their surface areas. An inquiry-based learning environment was created for students to engage in argumentation. The instruction was enriched by use of a dynamic geometry software, namely GeoGebra, to assist students in visualizing and reasoning about 3D shapes. Rasmussen and Stephan’s three-phase method (2008) was used to organize the collected data, which in turn were analyzed using Krummheuer’s model of argumentation (2015). The results indicated the emergence of three mathematical practices and several taken-as-shared ideas: (1) defining prisms, (2) computing the surface area of a prism, and (3) computing the surface area of a cylinder. The study’s results revealed that students’ understanding improved when learning concepts simultaneously with argumentation and dynamic geometry software.

STUDENTS’ CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND SCIENCE PROCESS SKILLS IN AN INQUIRY-BASED FLIPPED CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of an Inquiry-based Flipped classroom model on the conceptual understanding and science process skills of junior high school students in the Philippines. Method: A two-group pretest/post-test design was conducted on 55 Grade 9 students for the study. One group received instruction using the flipped classroom format while the other group serving as control was taught in the conventional format. A Conceptual Understanding Test (CUT) and a Science Process Skills Test (SPST) were used to measure the impact of instruction on the two groups. Independent samples t-test was used to determine if there was a significant difference between the groups while paired samples t-test was conducted on both groups to determine if the groups improved significantly after a 7-week intervention. Linear regression was performed to determine if science process skills was a positive predictor of conceptual understanding. Findings: Inquiry-based flipped classroom did not make students perform better than the non-flipped inquiry-based learning environment in the Conceptual Understanding Test (CUT) and Science Process Skills Test (SPST) except on one biology topic (non-Mendelian Genetics) where the Flipped Inquiry Group scored significantly higher than the control in the CUT. Students’ science process skills positively predicted their conceptual understanding in biology. Significance: Inquiry–based flipped classroom can be as effective as the non-flipped inquiry-based instruction in improving students’ conceptual understanding and science process skills but can be made even more effective depending on the content, the manner the content is uploaded and the choice of LMS for uploading the online content. The study also showed the importance of science process skills in enhancing students’ conceptual understanding in biology.

Predicting student understanding by modeling interactive exploration of evidence during an online science investigation

ABSTRACT This study mined student interactions with visual representations as a means to automate assessment of learning in a complex, inquiry-based learning environment. Log trace data of 143 middle school students’ interactions with an interactive map in Research Quest (an inquiry-based, online learning environment) were analyzed. Students used the interactive map to make scientific observations for an evidence-based hypothesis. The examination of classification error using an artificial neural network, compared against the majority class for prediction, suggests that student performance on several metrics of critical thinking can be classified based on different patterns in interactions with visual representations. Two alternative methods are compared in this study for training and evaluating data-mined models of student performance. In accordance with the general consensus in the literature, the error estimates for models’ predictions were less variable using a student-level cross-validation. Implications of these findings for open-ended inquiry-based learning environments are discussed.

Instructional design of scaffolded online learning modules for self-directed and inquiry-based learning environments

Technology is ubiquitous in the modern world; to harness its educational potential in the quest to introduce environments that are flexible and differentiate for individual student learning needs, the strategic use of the complex array of tools is required. Engagement with this challenge has the potential to lead to the provision of interfaces that allow students to access these resources and become independent learners. It is therefore important to identify and evaluate the features of such interfaces to calibrate and respond to individual student needs. In this context, the quality of differentiated support for learning, referred to as scaffolding, is established as paramount to the design and structure of online environments. In this study, the instructional design referred to as predict, observe, explain and evaluate (POEE), informed by constructivist theories of learning, to implement multiple scaffolding strategies is described. The POEE scaffolding strategy was applied in the creation of two inquiry learning modules. Student engagement with these inquiry modules in a self-directed online environment was explored to identify critical elements of the scaffolding. The findings of this study, based on students' interactions and engagement with the learning modules, enabled the conceptualisation of a multimodal scaffolding strategy for self-directed inquiry. We propose that the recommendations from the implementation of these scaffolded learning modules can represent exemplars illustrative of an enriched instructional design paradigm to support students’ independent study in blended environments.

Investigating the relationship between instructional practices and science achievement in an inquiry-based learning environment

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the discrete effects of inquiry-based instructional practices that described the PISA 2015 construct ‘inquiry-based instruction’ and how each practice, and the frequency of each practice, is related to science achievement across 69 countries. The data for this study were drawn from the PISA 2015 database and analysed using hierarchical linear modelling (HLM). HLMs were estimated to test the contribution of each item to students’ science achievement scores. Some inquiry practices demonstrated a significant, linear, positive relationship to science achievement (particularly items involving contextualising science learning). Two of the negatively associated items (explaining their ideas and doing experiments) were found to have a curvilinear relationship to science achievement. All nine items were dummy coded by the reported frequency of use and an optimum frequency was determined using the categorical model and by calculating the inflection point of the curvilinear associations in the previous model e.g. students that carry out experiments in the lab in some lessons have higher achievement scores than students who perform experiments in all lessons. These findings, accompanied by detailed analyses of the items and their relationships to science outcomes, give stakeholders clear guidance regarding the effective use of inquiry-based approaches in the classroom.

Behind the scenes: teachers’ perspectives on factors affecting the implementation of inquiry-based science instruction

ABSTRACT Background: Implementing Inquiry-Based Instruction (IBI) in science is a complex process demanding certain classroom conditions prepared with instructional materials to engage students in tasks, as well as adopting the social context that will shape the inquiry-based learning environment. Within this social context, teachers are the main agents who ensure successful inquiry-based implementation because their beliefs and perceptions significantly influence their practices within the classroom.Purpose: This study explored teachers’ views and understandings about IBI and the factors that inhibit and promote the implementation of this teaching method. Additionally, the difference in perspectives regarding the inhibiting factors has been explored within two countries that are allocating different budgets for developing innovative educational systems to improve students’ results on the international standardized tests (the United Arab Emirates and Lebanon). Results: This study identified factors such as limited ICT and lab resources, low quality of professional development, lack of time for lesson preparation, and difficulties in classroom management that complicate the process of IBI implementation in classrooms. Differences in the UAE and Lebanese teachers’ perspectives were uncovered. Implications and limitations were further discussed.

Epistemological Differences Between Gifted and Typically Developing Middle School Students

Students’ personal epistemologies, or their beliefs about knowledge and knowing, have a substantial impact on learning, affecting their responses to curriculum, strategy selection, and psychosocial variables. Changes in epistemological reasoning occur similarly to other stage-based developmental schemes, with qualitative shifts in worldviews at each stage. Some research suggests that gifted students tend to develop higher levels of epistemological reasoning earlier than same-aged typically developing peers. The current study extends research in developmental differences to middle school students. A total of 189 sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade gifted or typical students completed the Learning Context Questionnaire. An analysis of variance was conducted to determine differences by Gifted Status and Grade Level. Results of the analysis revealed significant differences between gifted and typical students, with modest effect size, at each grade level. The discussion includes implications for understanding giftedness and related need for rich inquiry-based learning environments.

The effectiveness of ‘what if not’ strategy coupled with dynamic geometry software in an inquiry-based geometry classroom

ABSTRACTIn this paper we present the results of a study which was carried out in an inquiry-based teaching and learning environment with the use of ‘what if not’ methodology coupled with the integration of dynamic geometry software. The vast majority of the students reported that they perceived themselves as participants rather than spectators. Most of the prospective teachers came to the conclusion that the implementation of the findings of this study in their future teachings was a good idea and that it will raise the students’ motivation and enhance and deepen the knowledge pool of the learners.

Unfolding the Curriculum: Physical Computing, Computational Thinking and Computational Experiment in STEM’s Transdisciplinary Approach

The aim of the present article is to analyze the relation of physical computing with the computational thinking dimensions and the transdisciplinary approach of STEM epistemology in inquiry-based learning environments, when the methodology of the computational experiment is implemented. We argue that computational science and computational experiment can be applied in connection with STEM epistemology, when physical computing activities are embedded in the curriculum for Higher Education students. In order to implement this connection, we present software applications that combine algorithms and physical computing. We believe that engaging students through their existing STEM courses in physical computing - in the form of the computational experiment methodology- is a strategy that is much more likely to succeed in increasing the interest and appeal of STEM epistemology. Different learning modules were designed, which covered the combination of easy java simulations (Ejs) with Arduino and Raspberry pi.

Unfolding the Curriculum: Physical Computing, Computational Thinking and Computational Experiment in STEM’s Transdisciplinary Approach

The aim of the present article is to analyze the relation of physical computing with the computational thinking dimensions and the transdisciplinary approach of STEM epistemology in inquiry-based learning environments, when the methodology of the computational experiment is implemented. We argue that computational science and computational experiment can be applied in connection with STEM epistemology, when physical computing activities are embedded in the curriculum for Higher Education students. In order to implement this connection, we present software applications that combine algorithms and physical computing. We believe that engaging students through their existing STEM courses in physical computing - in the form of the computational experiment methodology- is a strategy that is much more likely to succeed in increasing the interest and appeal of STEM epistemology. Different learning modules were designed, which covered the combination of easy java simulations (Ejs) with Arduino and Raspberry pi.

The Use of Comics in Experimental Instructions in a Non-formal Chemistry Learning Context

Practical work is an essential component of science education. However, insufficient approaches towards practical work can limit the potential it has for promoting both students' motivation and situational interest. One suggestion to solve this problem is to use alternative forms of lab instruction which are both motivating and easy to comprehend. One potential avenue is the increased use of pictorial information instead of pure text-based approaches. This case describes the use of comics in experimental instructions in non-formal chemistry learning. Comics visualise stories, are viewed as comprehensible to students, and also allow instructors to connect scientific tasks with authentic situations taken from students´ lives. This paper describes a study of 6th grade students´ perceptions (age range 11-13 years) of using comic-based lab instructions in a non-formal inquiry-based laboratory learning environment which focused on the chemistry of water quality. Semi-structured interviews of pairs of students were conducted during their visits to the non-formal laboratory. These 22 interviews (44 students total) were then analysed using qualitative content analysis. Overall, very positive perceptions by the students could be identified with respect to comic-based experimental instructions. Further research on the most promising use of comics in science education is needed.

Narrative and inquiry as a basis for a design framework to reconnect mathematics curriculum with students

Curriculum ergonomics focuses on the “fit” between students and the curriculum, and how this “fit” extends students’ understanding of content. We argue that the opportunity for narrative in an inquiry-based learning environment in mathematics promotes this “fit” between students and the curriculum. This is in contrast to purely expository forms, which focus on description and facts. In this paper, we use Bruner’s concept of narrative to propose elements of a curriculum ergonomics design framework—connection, sharing of incomplete ideas and repeated experiences over time—that promotes opportunities for “fit” in implementing mathematics curriculum. We draw on data from a primary school classroom (ages 7–8) to illustrate how this fit is played out in a classroom that engages in learning mathematics through inquiry.

Generation of student interest in an inquiry-based mobile learning environment

A declining trend in adolescents’ interest in science learning and attitudes towards science-related careers has been reported during recent years. There has been a call for more motivating learning environments that inspire students to develop interest towards science. This study examines students’ interest development in STEM subjects in an ecologically valid setting during one school year and how features of the learning environment affect students’ generation of interest. In a quasi-experimental study design, one class of 7th grade (aged 12 to 13 years) students (N = 18) studied in an inquiry-based mobile learning environment that had a special emphasis on integrated curriculum. Interest variables were measured three times and focus group interviews were held twice during the school year. From a group of 113 students studying in an ordinary learning setting, a propensity score-matched control group of 18 students was selected based on general self-efficacy, intrinsic goal orientation, interest in technology, and web-user self-efficacy. Results from the quantitative analyses revealed only minor differences between the two groups. Results from the qualitative analyses indicate that students found the new environment to be interest generating, thus ascribing to the general idea and aim of the new environment, but also that the implementation was in many cases far from ideal, indicating that much of its potential was unrealized.