The Development of Learning Activities based on Inquiry-Based Learning Activities with Mind Mapping to Enhance the Scientific Mind and Learning Achievement on Living Organisms and the Environment of Grade 5 Students

Abstract

The purposes of this research were to 1) Develop inquiry-based learning activities with mind mapping on the topic of Living Things and the Environment for Grade 5 students. 2) Compare students' scientific mindset before and after learning about Living Things and the Environment. And 3) Compare students' learning achievements before and after learning about Living Things and the Environment. This research employed a pre-experimental design. The sample consisted of 34 Grade 5 students in the first semester at Lak Muang Mahasarakham School, Mueang District, Mahasarakham Province, during the 2024 academic year. The students were selected using cluster random sampling. The research instruments included Lesson plans for inquiry-based learning activities with mind mapping. A scientific mindset questionnaire using a 5-point Likert rating scale. And a learning achievement test on Living Things and the Environment. The statistical methods used for data analysis were the mean, standard deviation, and Paired Sample t-test.

The results of the study were as follows:
1) The development of inquiry-based learning activities with mind mapping on Living Things and the Environment enhanced students' scientific mindset and academic achievement. The learning activity consisted of five stages: engagement, exploration, explanation, elaboration, and evaluation. In this study, the spider map concept mapping technique was applied to all lesson plans, specifically during the exploration and explanation stages. The developed learning activity was found to be highly appropriate.

2) Students' scientific mindset after studying was significantly higher than before studying at the .05 level.

3) Students' learning achievement in the post-test was significantly higher than in the pre-test at the .05 level.