Abstract:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of using Process Oriented Inquiry Learning
(POGIL) approach on grade 12 natural science students’ academic achievement and attitude
on the concept of electrochemistry at Mehal-Meda Preparatory and Secondary School. The
study employed quasi-experimental research design. Accordingly, 80 grade 12 natural
science Mehal-Meda Preparatory and Secondary School students were categorized into two
sections (40 students considered as treatment group and 40 students as control group) and
participated in the study. Treatment group students taught by POGIL approach while control
group taught by lecture method. The intervention period for both groups was equivalent and
it lasted five weeks. The data were collected using multiple choice tests, observation,
questionnaire and interview. The pre-test and post-test were administered before and after the
treatment respectively. The students’ academic achievements on tests were analyzed using
descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (t-tests) quantitatively while; the data collected
through questionnaires were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Observation and
interview were presented using narration. The finding of pre-test revealed that there was no
significant difference between the mean score of the two groups. While the result of post-test
revealed that significant difference was observed between the mean score of the two groups.
The achievement of treatment group students significantly improved on the electrochemistry
topic compared to the control group students. Besides, the analysis of data gathered through
questionnaires and interview indicate that POGIL approach was effective in reducing
students’ concept difficulties of electrochemistry and acquiring better understanding of the
topic as well as they have positive attitude towards the approach. Based on the finding of
this study, POGIL teaching method is more effective than the lecture method in improving
students’ achievement and attitude in electrochemistry concept
