Cahaya: Journal of Research on Science Education
Vol. 4 No. 3 (2026)

Effects of Guided Inquiry on Students’ Motivation and Critical Thinking in Renewable Energy Physics

Cindy Anatasya Prahesti (Universitas Islam Negeri Sayyid Ali Rahmatullah Tulungagung, Jawa Timur, Indonesia)
Muhammad Luqman Hakim Abbas (Universitas Islam Negeri Sayyid Ali Rahmatullah Tulungagung, Jawa Timur, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Sep 2026

Abstract

This study examined differences in students’ learning motivation and critical thinking skills following Guided Inquiry learning in Renewable Energy physics. A quantitative quasi-experimental method with a Post-test Only Control Group Design was conducted at SMAN 1 Gondang Tulungagung. The participants were 69 Grade X students selected through purposive sampling, comprising 36 students in the experimental class (X-5) and 33 students in the control class (X-4). The study was conducted over five meetings from January 23 to February 29, 2024. The experimental class received Guided Inquiry learning, while the control class received Direct Instruction. Learning motivation was measured using a 25-item questionnaire, and critical thinking skills were assessed using five essay questions based on the respective study indicators. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were 0.862 for motivation and 0.621 for critical thinking skills. The experimental group obtained higher mean scores for motivation (M = 88.64, SD = 9.708) and critical thinking (M = 87.50, SD = 7.020) than the control group (M = 82.30, SD = 7.768; M = 82.58, SD = 5.019). Independent-samples t-tests showed significant between-group differences in motivation, t(67) = 2.976, p = .004, Cohen’s d = 0.717, and critical thinking, t(67) = 3.324, p = .001, Cohen’s d = 0.801. MANOVA indicated a significant multivariate difference, Pillai’s Trace = .203, Wilks’ Lambda = .797, F(2,66) = 8.414, p < .001, partial η² = .203. Practically, Guided Inquiry can be implemented through Renewable Energy investigations involving questions, hypotheses, experiments, data analysis, and conclusions to support active learning and evidence-based reasoning.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

cahaya

Publisher

Subject

Chemistry Education Physics Social Sciences Other

Description

CAHAYA: Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan dan Pembelajaran Sains (e-ISSN 2988-1374) is an Open Access Journal that discusses related science and science education that occurs in the context of society at the primary, secondary and higher education levels related to research in the fields of science education, ...