Problem-Based Inquiry Method: Improving Critical Thinking Skills, Academic Outcomes, and Learning Motivation

• Published in: Jurnal iqra' (Online) Vol. 10; no. 1; pp. 165 - 183
• Main Authors: Ismaniati, Christina, Almendo Thio Lindra, Heldy Adynata Putra Pratama
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: IAI Ma'arif NUMetro Lampung 20.05.2025
• Subjects: Critical Thinking Skills; Learning Motivation; Problem-Based Inquiry Method
• ISSN: 2527-4449; 2548-7892
• DOI: 10.25217/ji.v10i1.5718

This study investigates how well the Problem-Based Inquiry Method (PBIM) improves academic performance, learning motivation, and critical thinking abilities.  Innovative techniques are required since traditional education methods frequently fall short in fostering intellectual curiosity and higher-order cognitive skills.  Inquiry-based learning and problem-solving are combined in PBIM to encourage active student participation.  A control group (n=67) that received traditional instruction was contrasted with an experimental group (n=66) that used PBIM in a quasi-experimental design.  Motivation surveys, subject-specific posttests, and standardized critical thinking tests were used to gather data, which were then subjected to t-tests and MANOVA analysis. The experimental group's critical thinking (mean difference = 22.82, p=0.000), academic results (mean difference = 8.69, p=0.000), and motivation (mean difference = 16.12, p=0.000) all showed significant gains, according to the results.  The multivariate influence of PBIM was validated by MANOVA (p<0.05).  The results support the inclusion of PBIM in educational practices to replace passive learning paradigms by highlighting its effectiveness in promoting cognitive development, academic achievement, and intrinsic motivation.