The development and implementation of an innovative inquiry-based learning to build students’ higher order thinking skills in teaching of inorganic reactions

Higher order thinking skills are life skills that scientists need to have in solving problems related to scientific work. This study aims to develop an inquiry-based active learning model to build higher order thinking skills as well as to improve learning outcomes in teaching General Chemistry. This research was conducted at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas HKBP Nommensen, involving 50 undergraduate students who are studying General Chemistry. The research stages are carried out by providing inquiry-based innovative learning resources for Inorganic Chemical Reactions, followed by standardization and validation of teaching materials, and implementation of innovative learning resources for active learning.. The assessment of the inquiry task resulted in students’ activities is categorized good (M=64.11±5.48), Inquiry based learning has been able to build students’ higher-order thinking skills in good category (M=74.53±14.67). Students master the concept of chemical reactions well, which is indicated by the high average score on learning outcomes in the experimental group (M=75.16±15.48) is higher than in control group (M=60.16±15.07). Both groups are significantly different (ttest 3,082 >ttabel 1,386). The inquiry-based active learning model is relevant to be used in teaching General Chemistry during abnormal times of the Covid-19 pandemic and even better on normal times.