The Effects of Inquiry-Based Learning on Students’ Learner Autonomy and Conceptions of Learning

Research Article

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of inquiry-based learning and of the regular science curriculum on students’ learner autonomy and conceptions of learning. The students in the experimental group engaged in inquiry beginning with structured, continuing with guided and ending with open, while the students in the comparison group followed the materials used in the regular science curriculum. All students participated individually in three 40-minute weekly sessions during a 14-week period. Data were gathered through individual interviews conducted with six students in total (three from the experimental group and three from the control group). Results showed that the inquiry-based learning caused students to move from participatory roles towards constructive ones, whereas the regular science curriculum did not alter participatory roles. Inquiry-based learning also enabled students’ reproductive conceptions, to change towards constructive conceptions. Students in the control group, did not change their reproductive conceptions.