Impact of Stem Integrated Argumentation-Based Inquiry Applications on Students ' Academic Success, Reflective Thinking and Creative Thinking Skills

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to determine the effect of argumentationbased inquiry approach (ABI) and STEM-supported ABI approach on students' academic achievement, scientific creativity and reflective thinking skills for problem solving, and to determine students' views about the process. Explanatory sequential design, one of the mixed research methods, was used in the study. A total of 41students (N=20 boys, n=21 girls) studying in the seventh grade of a secondary school in north-east Turkey constitute the study group. In the study, the two classes that the same teacher attended was randomly determined where one was an ABI group (N=21) and the other a STEM-supported ABI group (N=20). The groups worked with the same teacher throughout the study. In the quantitative dimension of the study, Academic Achievement Test, Reflective Thinking Scale for Problem Solving, and Scientific Creativity Scale was used, while semi-structured interview form was used in the qualitative dimension. Independent Groups T Test and ANCOVA were applied in the analysis of quantitative data. Content analysis was performed in the analysis of qualitative data. In the research, it was concluded that students' reflective thinking skills for problem solving, scientific creativity and academic success are more developed in applications made by integrating STEM into the ABI approach.

Reflective thinking in school: a systematic review

“…Increased academic performance was evidenced when STEM disciplines were integrated into Toulmin's argumentation activities. Turkey [27] Explanatory sequential design, mixed method Students of 7 th grade; n=41…”

“…The practice of reflection is imperative in science education as it reveals learning habits and develops critical thinking and problem-solving strategies. Such reflective practices enrich students' mental perspectives as they make efforts to find varied solutions for the problems encountered [27]. Reflection in a classroom is vital to all kinds of learning as it enables learners to relate new learning to previous experiences.…”

“…Cooperative learning strategy and Journal writing practices increase students' reflective thinking skills and academic performance [25]. STEM-based argumentation method provides opportunities for indicating reflective thinking actions such as questioning, assessing, and reasoning [27]. In the story method of teaching, comparatively weaker academic performance was evidenced in a group of students who were not habituated to reflective thinking practices.…”

Effectiveness of the Inquiry Based Learning Model Based on Mobile Learning on Students' Creative Thinking Skills: A Meta-Analysis

“…Creative thinking skills have a role for students in solving a problem in the learning process (Made et al, 2020;Suwendra, 2023). Students who have creative thinking skills are able to encourage student creativity in learning (Ndiung et al, 2021;Yustiana el al., 2022;Hasancebi, 2021). Furthermore, creative thinking skills train students in providing new ideas in learning activities (Deswiana et al, 2019;Zainil et al, 2023;Pigza, 2015).…”