Abstract:
The main objective of this study is to enhance the learning experience of inquiry in grade 8th
biology class students by designing and applying inquiry-based activities and providing necessary
scaffoldings. Inquiry-based learning (IBL) has been a component of various curricula and science
education standards for several years. It is known that the true power of IBL is to increase
intellectual engagement and foster deep understanding through the development of a hands-on,
minds-on and research-based outlook toward teaching and learning. Even though the application
of inquiry-based learning and supporting student’ practice of inquiry among science education is
braced by different international scholars and institutions, it could not be adequately functional
in most of Ethiopian schools beyond designing in the curriculum. In this context, learning
experience of inquiry is the ability and practice of solving the given activity by using the scientific
problem-solving steps. The participants were 53 students which have been in the same class grade
8th. This study tends to answer whether the students have an inquiry experience and if it is possible
to enhance the students’ experience of inquiry learning in grade 8th science classroom. The study
followed pre-post interventional study design and it is employed by designing inquiry-based
activities and exercising through IBL approach. The results were checked by differences shown in
pre and post-test tests. The pre-test result showed that there was insufficient inquiry
practice/experience in the class and the after a series of practice the post test showed significantly
positive different which showed that scaffolding of inquiry-based learning is the effective way of
teaching science to develop students’ inquiry experience. Without the experience of inquiry
students will not able to have scientific problem-solving skill for their future life. So, enhancing
students inquiry practice in their earlier grades is the prior alternative that teachers and other
stakeholders should put their all effort to enhance the experience of students’ inquiry. The
commitment, attitude, knowledge and performance of teachers about inquiry-based learning
should be built up by different stockholders.