Enhancing Student Engagement and Motivation: The Effectiveness of Inquiry-Based Teaching Models in Science Education

Student engagement and motivation are critical to achieving effective learning outcomes in science education. This study investigated the impact of inquiry-based teaching models on student engagement and motivation. A total of 108 students, comprising 80 males and 28 females aged 12 years, were divided into control (n=65) and experimental (n=63) groups. A pre-assessment was conducted to measure initial levels of engagement and motivation, followed by post-tests to determine the effects of the inquiry-based teaching model. Pre-assessment results indicated high levels of engagement and motivation in both groups, with no significant difference between them. Post-test findings revealed that while the control group maintained high levels of engagement and motivation, the experimental group achieved very high levels. Moreover, the experimental group exhibited significantly higher mean gain scores in engagement and motivation compared to the control group, underscoring the effectiveness of the inquiry-based approach. The findings demonstrate that inquiry-based teaching models substantially enhance student engagement and motivation in science education. The approach fosters active participation, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of scientific concepts. Inquiry-based teaching is an effective pedagogical strategy for improving engagement and motivation in science education.