Inquiry Project-based Learning Research Articles

Fostering Creative Thinking Skills on High and Low Cognitive Levels Students with Project-based Inquiry Learning

Integrating the development of soft skills, such as creative thinking, into classroom learning is essential. This study aims to analyze whether students' creative thinking skills can be enhanced through project-based inquiry learning that is varied for high and low cognitive levels. This research used a quasi-experimental design of 2x2 factorial. The research was done at a private senior high school for over a month. Forty-six eleventh-grade students were involved in this study. The samples consist of 23 high- and 23 low-cognitive ability students, which were determined using a cognitive ability instrument. The creative thinking skill was assessed by comparing the N-gain of the pretest and posttest scores using a creative thinking instrument. The results revealed that the cognitive level affects creative thinking skills significantly, and there is an interaction effect between the variation of the PjBI model and the cognitive ability levels. This result implies that students with high-cognitive levels performed better on creative thinking skills when learning with independent PjBI, while low-cognitive students showed better creative thinking skills when learning with guided PjBI.

The Influence of the Inquiry Project-Based Learning Model on Critical Thinking Skills in Early Childhood: A Quantitative Experimental Study

This study aims to measure the impact of the Inquiry Project-Based Learning model on the critical thinking abilities of children aged 5-6 years at Budya Wacana Kindergarten, Yogyakarta. The research methodology adopted an experimental quantitative approach with a pre-experimental design, specifically the one-group pretest-posttest design. The sample consisted of 35 children selected through the Total Sampling technique. Data were collected using observation sheets and documentation, with instruments focusing on five indicators of critical thinking ability. Data analysis employed normality tests, homogeneity tests, and paired sample t-tests using SPSS 25. The results indicated a significant increase in posttest essential scores of thinking (86.03) compared to the pretest (47.60), with a t-value of -31.352 and a significance of 0.000. These findings affirm the effectiveness of this learning model in enhancing early childhood critical thinking skills while also opening opportunities for further research in early childhood education. This study has significant implications for educational practice, suggesting integrating the Inquiry Project-Based Learning method into the curriculum and highlighting the need for teacher training to implement this method. However, limitations exist, such as focusing on a limited sample size and not evaluating long-term effects.

An Integrated RME and PIL Mathematics Module for Technical Vocational High School Learning: A Need Analysis

Text-based learning resources play an essential role in supporting students’ mathematics learning. However, there are still limited studies about developing mathematics modules as one of text-based learning resources for Technical Vocational High School (TVHS) students. Therefore, this study investigates the need to develop an integrated Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) and Project-based Inquiry Learning (PIL) mathematics module for TVHS learning. This study is a descriptive survey involving 66 tenth grade TVHS students and 21 TVHS mathematics teachers in a sub-urban area of Central Java, Indonesia. Moreover, it also involves ten mathematics lecturers who teach “teaching mathematics for secondary school learning” courses from public and private universities in Indonesia. The data collection was conducted using printed questionnaires (for students) and online questionnaires (for teachers and lecturers). The data was summarized and analyzed descriptively. Based on the data analysis, it can be concluded that there are still limited realistic problems in Indonesian mathematics textbooks for TVHS students. Therefore, developing an integrated RME and PIL mathematics module is necessary. The characteristics of the integrated RME and PIL mathematics module are: (1) The module’s content should be presented in Bahasa Indonesia, providing realistic contexts by the area of expertise of the TVHS students and contexts across fields; (2) The learning activities should be carried out in groups, inside classrooms, involves creating projects not only by the area of expertise of the TVHS students, and the project results are displayed directly in an exhibition gallery; (3) The learning media can use both manual and Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-based tools; (4) The assessment can be conducted in both written and authentic assessments.

Project-based inquiry learning for diverse learners: Reconsidering approaches to teaching foundation and bridging programmes

Project-based inquiry learning for diverse learners: Reconsidering approaches to teaching foundation and bridging programmes

Innovative Inquiry-based Methods in Learning and Teaching Science

The purpose of the study is to synthesize the peer-reviewed literature about innovative inquiry-based approaches for science learning and teaching. This study answers the following research questions: (1) Based on the peer-reviewed literature, what hybrid inquiry-based learning (IBL) approaches exist which respond to the challenges and expectations of education in the 21st century? (2) What features do they have? (3) What empirical evidence supports their effectiveness? (4) At which levels of education do they appear? (5) What learning outcomes are achieved? Using the methodology of systematic literature review, 110 articles obtained by the Google Scholar engine. We selected different approaches based on the following criteria: (1) they respond to the challenges and expectations of education in the 21st century, (2) technology supports the learning and teaching process, and (3) IBL is combined with some other learning approaches to increase the efficiency of the learning and teaching process. The full texts of 54 studies were read and assessed that satisfied the inclusion criteria. Four categories of hybrid IBL were identified: project-based inquiry learning, game-transformed inquiry-based learning, web-based collaborative inquiry learning, and simulation-based inquiry learning. We define and describe these approaches and present the empirical work in detail. Finally, we compare the presented learning approaches and highlight the limitations of technology integration into the classroom. This study helps to draw attention to the huge pedagogical potential of these technology-supported hybrid IBL approaches and the value of researching them.

Mastering Students’ Speaking Skill using Inquiry Online Project-based Strategy

This study focuses on the use of an online learning research project focused on students' speaking skills. It is an innovative and practical approach that can develop students to solve a problem by thinking critically. This study aimed to determine the effect of using inquiry project-based learning on students' speaking skills. The research was conducted at MTs Mambaus Sholihin Gresik in class VII Q. To determine whether inquiry-project based online learning is effective or not, researchers used a pre-experimental method, where the statistical formula of the t-test calculates information. The research result is that the pre-test's mean was 83.9189, and the norm of the post-test was 88.5135. The results showed that inquiry-project based online learning projects had a positive effect on students' speaking achievement. It means that there is a large effect, with a substantial difference in student scores before and after treatment. Thus it can be concluded that inquiry-project-based online learning is recommended to promote students' speaking skills.

THE EFFECT OF USING PROJECT-BASED INQUIRY LEARNING (PIL) STEM MODULE IN TOPIC SPACE AMONG YEAR ONE STUDENTS

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of integration STEM education by using STEM module designed based on four phases in the Project-based Inquiry Learning (PIL) method. The STEM module consists of five projects in the topic Space in the Year One DSKP of the review KSSR Mathematics in Malaysia. The effectiveness of using the STEM module is assessed on the understanding, interest and attitude towards STEM education. The study was conducted on 33 students in the experimental group and 26 students in the control group. The instruments used in this research are STEM module, pre-test and post-test and questionnaire on students' understanding on STEM, interest in STEM and attitude towards STEM education. The STEM module covered the various cultured races in Malaysia and consist five projects. The concept and description of STEM content in each project has been emphasized in the module. The findings show that the STEM module has a satisfactory validity with a percentage of agreement is 95% and a satisfactory reliability with a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.701. Mathematics achievement score analysis for the experimental group showed a high significance (p <0.01) in the post-test compared to the pre-test. The findings also showed that there is an increasing in understanding, interest and attitude in the experimental group. In conclusion, the STEM module designed based on the PIL method had satisfactory validity and reliability and can be a reference for teachers to carry out STEM in primary Mathematics.

Reflection on the Impact of Distance Project-Based Learning Experiences on Students' Engagement and Regional Cultural Sensitivity on STEM Education

The contentious immigration issues through generations the US-Mexico border are not only beneficial to the United States economy but, also, this immigrant population of unaccompanied children and families from South America and Mexico contributes to the American culture by sharing their cultural traditions, family values, religious beliefs, language (Spanish), etc. and agricultural expertise as (Norman, 2018). The National Center for Farmworker Health (NCFH) (2020) reported that there are least 2.5 to 3 million agricultural workers in the United States, and these workers travel and work throughout the country, serving as the backbone for the vast farming industry in which 19% identify as migratory, while 81% are seasonal agricultural workers. This agency stated that 75% of these workers were born in Mexico, Central America, 83% self-identified as Hispanic, and 77% were most comfortable conversing in Spanish in which 30% could not speak English at all, 41% could speak a little or somewhat English, and 29% said they could speak English well (NCFH, 2020, p. 1). As an ESL science and math teacher to this immigrant student population starting in the early 80s, 90s, and early 2003, I included their regional cultural differences, traditions, family values, rituals, etc. in developing my science and math curriculum & materials; and used the inquiry project-based learning approach in teaching them Integrated Science and Math courses in the classroom settings by guiding the students in designing and building their scientific models from scrap which they built together in the classroom as group projects. Misher (2014) defined Project-Based Learning (PBL) as an instructional approach designed to encourage more engaged learning, and this learning approach is based upon realistic learning activities that stimulate student interest and motivation. In this perspective, this reflection seeks to highlight the effect of project-based learning on STEM students' engagement and regional cross-cultural sensitivity development in public school and higher education. In doing so, (A) I define and explain the following constructs: (1) distance learning, (2) project-based learning, (3) STEM education, (4) transformational learning and teaching, (5) regional cultural differences, (6) regionalism in Latin America, (7) regionalism and globalization; (B) describe scientific model building activity as cross-cultural transformational learning; (C) review pertinent literature on the topic; and lastly, (D) draw my conclusion on the topic.

UPCC: A model of plagiarism-free inquiry project-based learning

Plagiarism is a common problem among students, and if unaddressed, it may lead to severe consequences for students' academic integrity and education, and even for their career advancement. It is therefore essential to incorporate comprehensive anti-plagiarism intervention at an early stage of education. This study introduces UPCC (Understanding, Paraphrasing, Citations, and Checks), a pedagogical model of plagiarism-free project-based learning (PjBL), to provide a basis for plagiarism prevention for secondary school students aged 11–13. The UPCC model incorporates (U)nderstanding plagiarism, learning about (P)araphrasing and related skills, generating proper (C)itations with an online citation tool and conducting originality (C)hecks with an online tool. Evaluation of the model shows that this pedagogy effectively enables students to avoid plagiarism in behavioural, cognitive and affective aspects. The positive and negative factors affecting plagiarism are also outlined. This study may provide practical guidance for secondary teachers to implement the UPCC model in their teaching of avoiding plagiarism; it may also contribute to future research committed to students' changes in behaviour, cognition and emotion.

Relative Effects of Problem and Project-based Learning Techniques on Students Academic Achievement in Building Technology

Relative Effects of Problem and Project-based Learning Techniques on Students Academic Achievement in Building Technology

Integrating STEM education through Project-Based Inquiry Learning (PIL) in topic space among year one pupils

This research aims to investigate the effect of integrating STEM education through Project-based Inquiry Learning (PIL) and the users of the STEM modules which consists of five projects on topic Space in Year One Mathematics Syllabus in Kurikulum Standard Sekolah Rendah (KSSR) of Malaysia. STEM education in primary school focuses on the introduces and awareness of students about the importance of STEM education. The projects in STEM modules are covering the different ethnic cultures in Malaysia. The modules are designed using the four phases in PIL. Concepts and the explanation of STEM education on each project are emphasized and provided in the modules so the teachers able to carry out the projects by using the modules. By using the modules in primary Mathematics, the students and teachers will be more understanding on how to integrate the Mathematics’ concepts in STEM education.

An early start to STEM education among year 1 primary students through project-based inquiry learning in the context of a magnet

For the needs of the 21st century, the Government of Malaysia has conceptualized the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025 which embodies 11 strategic and operational shifts. In Shift 1, it is emphasized that the quality of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education will be enhanced. This study employed the mixed-method approach using the “one-group pre-test and post-test design”. Accordingly, this paper describes the pedagogical practice of Project-based Inquiry Learning (PIL) which promotes STEM Education among Year 1 students in the move to progress in tandem with Shift 1. Specifically, using the context of a magnet which has been stipulated in the Primary School Standard Curriculum, Year 1 students experienced the STEM Education through the STEM Pedagogy in which they raised questions upon the presentation of a relevant stimulus (Inquiry Phase), explored the ways in which a train carriage or coach could be assembled by means of recycled materials and magnets (Exploration Phase), designed a train carriage (Design Phase), and ultimately reflected on their inventions (Reflection Phase). The cognitive and affective impacts through the use of this Project-based Inquiry Learning are presented. Implications for the teaching and learning of science are discussed within the context of STEM Education.

Pendidikan STEM melalui pembelajaran siasatan berasaskan projek: Kajian Exploratori mengenai kesannya di kalangan pelajar tahun 1

Given the context of rising international education standards and the aspiration of better preparing Malaysia’s children for the needs of the 21st century, the Government of Malaysia has conceptualised the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025 which embodies 11 strategic and operational shifts. In Shift 1, it is emphasised that the quality of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education will be enhanced. Accordingly, this paper describes the pedagogical practice of Project-based Inquiry Learning (PIL) which promotes STEM Education among Year 1 students in the move to progress in tandem with Shift 1. Specifically, using the context of a magnet which has been stipulated in the Primary School Standard Curriculum, Year 1 students experienced the STEM Education through the STEM Pedagogy in which they raised questions upon the presentation of a relevant stimulus (Inquiry Phase), explored the ways in which a train carriage or coach could be assembled by means of recycled materials and magnets (Exploration Phase), designed a train carriage (Design Phase), and ultimately reflected on their inventions (Reflection Phase). The cognitive and affective impacts though the use of this Project-based Inquiry Learning are presented. Implications for the teaching and learning of science are discussed within the context of STEM Education.

Secondary school students’ source reporting and evaluation in project writing

In Hong Kong schools, source-based writing has risen in prominence in recent years with the incorporation of inquiry project-based learning (PjBL) into the curricula. Understanding how school students write from sources in this context will constitute a crucial step toward identifying potential problems and targeting educational strategies. In this paper we report an exploratory study of how junior secondary school (Forms 1–3) students reported sources in their research-based group project reports in the Liberal Studies subject in the environment of a Wiki online platform. Our analyses of a sample of 30 project reports focused on discovering how the students used reporting verbs and expressions to report information from sources, and how they expressed positive and critical evaluation of their sources. Our study addressed a gap in the literature by examining school students’ source-use practices in their first language, with valuable pedagogical insights generated and avenues of future research suggested.

Exploring junior secondary students’ plagiarism behavior

Inquiry project-based learning is a contemporary focus area in curriculum development around the world. This new learning approach requires students to locate appropriate information from various sources in order to satisfy their information needs under strict anti-plagiarism requirements. However, technological advancement inadvertently allows convenient plagiarism opportunities. Students must learn how to enhance their academic integrity and not to copy information directly from readily available sources like the Internet. This study investigated junior secondary students’ standard of academic integrity. Data was collected through information literacy tests, plagiarism checks on student group projects and structured interviews. Poor information literacy and language abilities were found to be potential factors behind poor academic practice, and academic integrity teaching proved to be largely effective. Therefore, related teaching should be further included in the school curriculum starting at the junior secondary level. Including a statement of academic honesty as part of school policy could also heighten students’ awareness of academic integrity and bring about plagiarism-free learning to actualize genuine education.

The Effects of Inquiry Project-Based Learning on Student Reading Motivation and Student Perceptions of Inquiry Learning Processes

Inquiry-based learning approaches have been promoted as an instructional method for students at all levels. An inquiry approach requires students to discover or construct knowledge through relevant activities and personal investigations. Due to the student driven nature of inquiry learning, it is reasonable to believe that students will become more motivated to read and to engage in critical thinking after participating in the inquiry approach. This quantitative study observes the effects of inquiry project based learning (PBL) on reading motivation and students’ perceptions of higher order thinking processes in a middle school language arts classroom. By comparing inquiry project based learning to fully guided instruction using an experimental study design, it was hypothesized that reading motivation and perceptions of inquiry thinking processes would increase after eight weeks of implementing the inquiry PBL model. The control and treatment group’s reading motivation was compared using pre-tests and post-tests of the Motivation for Reading Questionnaire (MRQ) (Wigfield and Guthrie 1997), and student perception of the type of learning and the learning processes they have experienced in the class was measured with an instrument created by Spronken-Smith, Walker, Batchelor, O’Steen, & Angelo (2012). An Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was run to determine any change in groups after the treatment, and Pearson Correlations were run to examine relationships between motivation constructs and perceptions of learning processes. There was no indication that inquiry PBL had any significant effects on the treatment group in terms of reading motivation or perceptions of critical thinking.

Teachers as researchers: A discovery of their emerging role and impact through a school-university collaborative research

This study explored the impact of the role of teacher-researchers on in-service teachers’ professional development, as well as the reasons behind the lack of a teacher-as-researcher ethos in schools. In the study, teachers from four Hong Kong primary schools participated in a school-university collaborative research project that promotes collaborative inquiry project-based learning (IPjBL), in which they took the dual role of the teacher and researcher. Five focus group interviews were conducted with the teachers to collect in-depth qualitative data on their experiences. The impact of this experience on teacher professionalism was examined from four dimensions: knowledge enrichment, school culture, teaching practice and curriculum design. The study provides evidence for the benefits of teacher research and sheds light on how university-school collaboration could contribute to engaging teachers in action research in their everyday classroom.

Collaborative inquiry project-based learning: Effects on reading ability and interests

The academic performance of students has been shown to be associated with reading ability. Inquiry learning can potentially enhance the reading abilities and interests of students. This study verified this proposition by examining the effects of an inquiry approach to group projects on the reading abilities of primary school students. Using a case study design, an inquiry project-based learning (PBL) approach, with the collaboration between three types of teachers and the school librarian was implemented to support the development of reading abilities and interests of students in a primary school in Hong Kong. The participants included Primary 4 students, teachers, and parents. Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) tests were used to evaluate the students' reading abilities; survey questionnaire and interviews were used to examine the participants' perceptions of the inquiry PBL; and the PIRLS survey was used to measure the students' attitudes and self-perceptions. Quantitative and qualitative data analyses showed positive effects on the reading abilities and attitudes of the participating students. Students' attitudes and self-perceived abilities appeared to influence the improvements in reading abilities. Finally, improvements in the students' reading comprehension, reading speed, and vocabulary were perceived. These findings provide evidence and insights to support further implementation of inquiry PBL in primary schools.

Using collaborative teaching and inquiry project-based learning to help primary school students develop information literacy and information skills

Information literacy and information technology (IT) skills have become increasingly important in today's knowledge society. Many studies have shown that students from primary school to postgraduate lack crucial information literacy and IT skills, hence there is a need for an effective pedagogical approach that will develop these skills. This study investigated the effect of combining a collaborative teaching approach with inquiry project-based learning (PjBL) on the development of primary students' information literacy and IT skills. Students in a Hong Kong primary school completed two inquiry-based group projects. A collaborative teaching approach involving three teachers in different subject areas (general studies, Chinese, and IT) and the school librarian was adopted in guiding students through the two projects. Results indicate that this program had a positive impact of on the development of different dimensions of the students' information literacy and IT skills.

Inquiry project‐based learning with a partnership of three types of teachers and the school librarian

AbstractUsing an inquiry project‐based learning (PBL) approach that involved the collaboration of three kinds of teachers (general studies, language, and information technology [IT]) and the librarian, primary 4 students from a Hong Kong school were guided through group projects. The effect of this approach was examined by comparing the project grades of students who took part in the inquiry PBL project with those of a control group. Surveys and interviews were conducted with students (N1 = 141), parents (N2 = 27), and teachers (N3 = 11). The comparison of group project grades revealed significantly higher scores for the inquiry PBL groups (p < 0.05). Surveys showed that students were perceived to have improved in eight dimensions of learning, with no significant differences (p > 0.05) between students, parents, and teachers. Students enjoyed the projects and perceived them to be relatively easy. Gender differences and academic abilities had no significant moderating effects on the learning dimensions. Examination of the approach showed the collaboration between the four teaching staff to be effective through the support of the school administration, an inquiry learning expert, and parents. On the other hand, the main limitation was the extra workload for the teachers. Nevertheless, the study participants and stakeholders all advocate the continued implementation of the approach.