Effects of Inquiry Based Science Teaching on Junior Secondary School Students Academic Achievements

Abstract

This study was carried out to ascertain the extent to which Inquiry- Based Science Teaching could be effective on the Junior Secondary School students' achievement in science. Randomized experimental and control group approach was employed with a view to enabling the researcher to pin down the effectiveness of the Inquiry Based Science Teaching. Inquiry-Based Science Teaching Achievement Test (ISTAT) and the Students’ Attitude Questionnaire on Inquiry Based Science Teaching were used as research tools. The study sample consisted of 200 male and 100 female(totaling 300 subjects) Junior secondary school third year students out of population of 2,873 in Hadejia zone. T-test for independent samples and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient(r) using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) were used for data analysis.Some of the major findings were as follows:1. There is a significant difference in the achievement of the experimental and the control groups in favor of experimental group showing that Inquiry-Based Science Teaching Approach is a more suitable method than the Lecture Method of teaching. 2. There is a significant difference in the achievement of males and females students exposed to Inquiry-Based Science Teaching Method in favor of male students.3. there is no significant difference in relationship between academic achievement in science and attitudes towards science after exposure to Inquiry-Based Science Teaching that support female to benefit from Inquiry-based science Teaching.Some recommendations were also given as follows:- :l. Positive attitudes towards science should be encouraged and develop in the junior secondary school students,2. it is recommended that a variety of teaching strategies should be provided or used. The authority should provide educational environments. 3. Gender stereotype should be discouraged. The home, the school and the society should encourage both the male and female.