Process-inquiry Approach in Enhancing Inquiry Skills of Grade 11 Humss Integrity in Padre Garcia National High School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

An inquiry approach is a teaching approach that integrates discovery activities, processing questions, and collaborative discussion. Radhi (2013) noted that this approach will allow students to develop social interdependence wherein they generally learn the concepts by asking and negotiating their understanding with others. Students are guided to discover the concepts taught in a course by working together in groups (3-6 students) on carefully scaffold activities and activity worksheets with questions that build on each other. This action research aims to develop learners' inquiry skills through process inquiry -approach despite students' hesitations to ask questions during the entire class discussion.

METHODS

This study made use of a descriptive research design with purposive sampling in selecting the forty-eight respondents. The questionnaire was used to determine the difficulties encountered by the students in asking questions and how useful the questioning activity in the graphic organizer is in enhancing the inquiry skills among Grade 11 HUMSS Integrity students. This employed percentage ranking weighted mean and paired T-test to treat the responses statistically.

RESULTS

The respondents felt hesitant to raise questions because they lack self - confidence in sharing their questions and have little knowledge in the art of questioning. The aforementioned performance of the students hindered to elaborate and extend their ideas within and across the curriculum learning area. Through the application of the intervention using graphic organizers, the study revealed that the questioning activities heightened their curiosity about the topic and helps develop self - confidence in communicating ideas. Critical thinking and inquiry skills were also developed.

DISCUSSIONS

The results generate ideas for the teachers to incorporate activities that will transpire the inquiry and critical thinking skills among learners through the use of process - guided inquiry approach. This starts with guiding the students how to formulate questions through a varied level of complexity and allow them to synthesize what has been shared from the inquiry-based activities. More so, strengthening their interest to discover and learn more about science facts and concepts really starts when it is congruent to learners' ability and potentials.