Journal of Academic Biology and Biology Education
Vol. 2 No. 2 (2025): December

Structured Inquiry Learning: Enhancing Critical Thinking and Conceptual Understanding through Productive Questioning

Agustina, Agustina (Unknown)
Rahman, Roszelina Abd (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
20 Dec 2025

Abstract

Purpose of the study: This study aims to examine the effect of structured inquiry learning based on productive questioning on students’ critical thinking skills and conceptual understanding of plant tissue structure in senior high school biology learning. Methodology: This study employed a quantitative quasi-experimental method using a non-equivalent control group design. Data were collected using critical thinking and conceptual understanding tests, observation sheets, and documentation. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Kolmogorov–Smirnov normality test, Levene’s homogeneity test, N-gain analysis, independent sample t-test, and effect size calculation using SPSS software. Main Findings: The results showed significant differences between experimental and control groups in critical thinking and conceptual understanding. The experimental group achieved higher posttest scores, moderate-to-high N-gain values, and large effect sizes. These findings indicate that structured inquiry learning with productive questioning effectively improves students’ higher-order thinking and conceptual mastery. Novelty/Originality of this study: This study integrates productive questioning explicitly within a structured inquiry learning model and examines its simultaneous effect on critical thinking and conceptual understanding. This approach provides new empirical evidence on how productive questioning strengthens cognitive engagement and enhances learning outcomes in biology education contexts.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JOUABE

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Education Veterinary Other

Description

Focus and scope: Journal of Academic Biology and Biology Education is a double-blind peer-reviewed journal published by Cahaya Ilmu Ilmu Scholar, dedicated to disseminating advances in science and research in the field of biology education both in Indonesia and in the global context in other ...