Development of Science Learning Activity Sets Based on the Inquiry Process to Enhance Scientific Problem-Solving Abilities for Sixth Grade Students

Abstract

This research aimed to develop a set of inquiry-based science learning activities to enhance sixth-grade students' problem-solving skills. The research and development methodology was used, with the sample comprising 39 sixth-grade students from Pha Phueng Witthayakhom School, Wang Chao District, Tak Province, selected through simple random sampling during the second semester of the 2024 academic year. The research instruments included the inquiry-based science learning activity set, the inquiry-based learning management plan, a measurement tool for problem-solving skills in science, an achievement assessment tool, and a student satisfaction evaluation form. Data were analyzed using percentages, mean, standard deviation, and t-test statistics. The research results revealed that 1) the inquiry-based science learning activities to enhance problem-solving skills for sixth-grade students were rated as highly appropriate. The inquiry-based learning management plan was also rated highly appropriate, and the efficiency of the inquiry-based science learning activities was 78.13/80.33, meeting the 75/75 criteria. 2) The trial use of the inquiry-based science learning activities to enhance problem-solving abilities for sixth-grade students showed that students' problem-solving skills in science after learning were significantly higher than before learning at the .05 level. The academic achievement after learning was also significantly higher than before learning at the .05 level, and students expressed a high level of satisfaction with the learning organization using the inquiry-based science learning activities.

Keywords:   Learning Activity Sets, Inquiry Processes, Scientific Problem-Solving Abilities