Kezang, Norbu. The application of place-based inquiry approach on grade 6 Bhutanese students in learning environmental science. Master's Degree(Curriculum and Instruction). Rangsit University Library. : Rangsit University, 2019.
The application of place-based inquiry approach on grade 6 Bhutanese students in learning environmental science
Abstract:
This study investigated the improvement of students learning achievement and
their opinion on the use of place-based inquiry (PBI) in learning environmental
science in Bhutanese classroom. A total of 39 Grade 6 students selected through
purposive sampling method from one of the rural schools in Eastern Bhutan were
involved in the study. The researcher used the mix-methods approach to explore the
study. One group pretest-posttest research design was adopted by the researcher. The
group was instructed using the place-based inquiry approach for 4 weeks. An
achievement test consisting of 20 items were administered as the Pretest and Posttest.
Students reflective journals and students presentations on their exhibitions were used
as data collection tools to explore the participants opinions on PBI.
As for data analysis, paired sample t-test was used for the analysis of the
achievement test. The data revealed a mean difference of 5.42. The result showed a
significant value of p=0.01 (<0.05), thus confirming the effectiveness of place-based
inquiry approach in improving student learning achievement. Qualitative data analysis
on reflective journals revealed 4 themes: active engagement, easy learning, motivating
learners and development of value, attachment and sense of ownership, while
exhibition presentations demonstrated positive opinion about the use of PBI approach.