The effect of the use of an inquiry-based approach in an open learning middle school hydraulic turbine optimisation course

Avsec, Stanislav (author), Kocijančič, Slavko (author)

Inquiry-based learning is an inductive pedagogy, which enables learners to construct knowledge, to develop high level reasoning skills, and to increase interest and learning motivation with the use of the contemporary technology-based learning environments. This article describes the design and experience of the new student-centred learning model in an open learning of technology education course, which enables a high level of active self-directed learning. A quantitative research methodology was used to analyse the data collected. Multifaceted nature of inquiry-based learning and its impacts were successfully measured with a technological literacy test. The findings of this study showed that inquiry-based learning is an effective teaching approach in technology education. Impact was judged to be large and positive in technological knowledge acquisition (η2=0.37), in problem-solving skills development (η2=0.29), and in critical thinking and decision-making abilities development (η2= 0.16). The proposed model suits both female and male students equally. Therefore, the possibility of successfully applying the model is supported by evidence.

• Language: English
• Keywords: engineering, secondary school, learning
• Typology: 1.01 - Original Scientific Article
• Organization: PEF - Faculty of Education
• Year: 2014
• Number of pages: Str. 329-337
• Numbering: Vol. 12, no. 3
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-30111
• UDC: 62:373.5
• ISSN on article: 1446-2257
• COBISS.SI-ID: 10336329
• Publication date in RUL: 05.01.2015

Record is a part of a journal

• Title: World transactions on engineering and technology education
• Publisher: UNESCO International Centre for Engineering Education
• ISSN: 1446-2257
• COBISS.SI-ID: 18077223

Secondary language

• Language: Slovenian
• Keywords: tehnika, srednja šola, učenje, raziskovanje z učenjem, turbine, tehnološka pismenost, reševanje problemov