The Effects of 5E Inquiry-Based Learning and Polya's Problem-Solving Technique on Understanding and Problem-Solving Ability in Simple Harmonic Motion for Grade 11th Students at Prachasongkrowittaya School

Abstract

Classroom Action Research on “The 5E Inquiry-Based Learning Model Integrated with Polya’s Problem-Solving Technique and Learning Materials to Enhance Content Understanding and Problem-Solving Ability in Physics on Simple Harmonic Motion for Grade 11 Students” aimed to (1) examine the effects of enhancing content understanding and problem-solving ability in physics through the integration of the 5E inquiry-based learning model, Polya’s problem-solving technique, and supplementary learning materials, and (2) investigate students’ satisfaction with this instructional approach. The target group consisted of 28 Grade 11/5 students from Prachasongkroh Wittaya School in the first semester of the 2025 academic year, selected through purposive sampling. The research instruments included (1) five lesson plans based on the 5E model integrated with Polya’s problem-solving technique and learning materials, conducted over 13 instructional hours, (2) a physics problem-solving test on motion constructed according to Polya’s framework by Somsak Sopang, and (3) a student satisfaction questionnaire adapted from Supap Khonsak (2017). Data analysis employed post-lesson reflections, comparison of pre- and post-test scores, mean, standard deviation, and qualitative analysis from open-ended responses.

The findings revealed that students’ average pre-test score was 11.00 points (55.00%), while their post-test average increased to 17.21 points (86.07%), an improvement of 6.21 points (31.07%), indicating significant development in knowledge and problem-solving skills. Students demonstrated highly positive learning behaviors, showing enthusiasm, confidence, and active participation in every stage of the 5E inquiry process and Polya’s problem-solving steps. Overall satisfaction with the instructional approach was at a high level, particularly with hands-on experimentation, systematic problem-solving, and concise learning materials with activities and exercises. However, students suggested further improvements such as including QR codes linking to video tutorials, more detailed worked examples, exercises at varying difficulty levels, and game-based review activities to increase engagement.