ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF INCORPORATING AN INQUIRY-BASED APPROACH DURING A FIELD TRIP ON STUDENTS’ ENGAGEMENT, RETENTION OF KNOWLEDGE AND LEARNING OUTCOMES IN NIGERIAN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS

Author: Nasiru Abdullahi

ABSTRACT

Inquiry-based approach has been found to be very effective in enhancing students’ learning outcomes. The investigates the effectiveness of integrating inquiry-based learning with field trips in enhancing educational outcomes among students in Nigerian tertiary institutions. This research employs a quasi-experimental design, utilizing pretest and posttest measures to assess changes in student engagement, knowledge retention, and overall learning outcomes. A sample of 100 students from federal college of education, Kano participated in the study, engaging in structured inquiry activities during field trips aimed at promoting active learning.Results indicate that the incorporation of inquiry-based methods significantly improved student engagement and retention of knowledge compared to traditional teaching methods. The findings suggest that experiential learning through field trips, when combined with inquiry-based strategies, fosters deeper understanding and enhances academic performance. This study contributes to the growing body of literature advocating for innovative pedagogical approaches in higher education, particularly in science and technology disciplines. The implications for curriculum development and instructional practices are discussed, emphasizing the necessity for educators to adopt more interactive and student-centered teaching methodologies to improve learning outcomes in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

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