Fostering Inductive Reasoning and Learning Experiences About Energy Sources: A Pilot Study of the Picture-Concept Sort Approach in a Rural High School

Science education in rural high schools faces significant barriers due to inadequate resources, limited exposure to innovative practices, and a lack of opportunities for active, participatory learning. To address these challenges, this study investigated the effects of the Picture-Concept Sort-Collaboration (PCSC) approach on the inductive reasoning performance and learning experiences of Grade 7 learners on renewable and nonrenewable energy sources. Employing a mixed-methods design with a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group framework, the study involved 60 Grade 7 learners divided into an experimental group (n=30) receiving the PCSC intervention and a control group (n=30) receiving traditional lecture-based instruction. Researchers gathered quantitative data via a validated 40-item test and analyzed it using descriptive statistics and the Mann-Whitney U Test, while qualitative data on learner experiences were analyzed thematically. Results indicated that while both groups improved, the experimental group achieved a significantly higher post-test mean score (M = 33.43, SD = 3.94; pre-test: M = 23.70, SD = 3.31) than the control group (M = 25.17, SD = 5.36; pre-test: M = 20.13, SD = 5.78).
Although baseline pre-test scores showed no significant difference (p = 0.226), post-test scores demonstrated a statistically significant difference (U = 21.000, p = 0.000) in favor of the experimental group. Thematic analysis of learner experiences revealed key themes of active engagement, enhanced collaboration, enjoyable learning, and the development of inductive thinking skills. The study concludes that the PCSC approach is a highly effective alternative to traditional lecture methods, demonstrating that learner-centered, interactive strategies can boost academic performance and engagement in rural science education.

Collaboration, Energy Resources, Inductive Thinking, Picture-Concept Sort, Rural Science Education

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