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THE EFFECTIVENESS COMPARISON BETWEEN INQUIRY
AND PROBLEM BASED LEARNING TOWARDS GEOGRAPHY

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upang Septa Putra1* and Muhsinatun Siasah Masruri1

1Master Program of Geography Education, Yogyakarta State University, Indonesia

*Email : upangsepta94@gmail.com

Received 5 May 2019/ Revised 5 July 2019/ Accepted 16 July 2019/ Published 20 August 2019

Abstract

This study aims to determine the differences of learning outcomes between students that were
performed using inquiry and student who were applied using problem based learning in
classes of X SMA 2 Plakat Tinggi. This study also purposes to examine the effectiveness
comparison between problem based learning and inquiry method. The research engages
quantitative research with quasi-experimental type. Subject selection conducts match design.
The population of this study were students of class X IPS in SMA 2 Plakat Tinggi which
composed of three classes. The sample selection in this study engaged purposive sampling,
hereby X IPS 3 was elected as experimental group 1 (Problem based learning) and class X
IPS 1 as the experimental group 2 (Inquiry) class. Data collection technique performed in this
study was learning outcomes in the form of written test. Data analysis technique was
engaging independent sample t-test, which was followed by N increased and effect size
extent. The findings are differences of learning outcomes improvement between students who
studied utilizing inquiry method and students who were taught using problem based learning
method. Problem based learning is more effective than inquiry in promoting Geography
learning outcomes. This is indicated through calculation result upon effect size extent, where
students who were taught using problem based learning method obtain a value of 4.185,
larger compared to those who were treated using inquiry method which obtain a value of
3.462.

Keywords: Inquiry, Problem Based Learning, Geography

1. Introduction

The rapid development in the sense of education is increasingly improved and this

developing condition requires students capacity in mastering comprehensive the subjects

matter of school, especially on geography subject. Since, within geography subject students

are not only provided the content in the form of theory, but also directly examine

geographycontent on daily basis. Sumaatmadja (2001: 12) argues that geography learning is

GEOSFERA INDONESIA
p-ISSN 2598-9723, e-ISSN 2614-8528 Vol.4 No. 2 (2019), 146-163, August, 2019
https://jurnal.unej.ac.id/index.php/GEOSI
DOI : 10.19184/geosi.v4i2.10849

DOI : 10.19184/geosi.v4i2.10192



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essentially an image of spatial aspects of the earth surface, which is the whole symptom of

nature and human life upon regional variations. In addition, during geography learning

students are compulsory to investigate all human activities that are closely related to the

surrounding environment, namely: atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere. The

presence of geography learning is expected to establish and develop students understanding

of variation and spatial organization between communities within residence and the

environment on earth surface. Geography obtains original features, namely thinking process,

in which geography examines things or symptoms that have interdependent relationships

between one symptom to another. Futhermore, there is geographical manner of thinking

which needs an analysis of a concrete object relationship and symptoms, whose spatial

relations can be captured by the five senses.

However, students were not adequately interested in geography learning, since students

considered geography subject as unattractive subject which was determined through

observations conducted at SMA 2 Plakat Tinggi.When the learning process occured in the

classroom, students have not been actively involved in the learning process. This fact could

be observe daccording to students participation during the learning process which tended to

be insufficient and passive. For instance, when teacher presented questions to students, there

were only one or two students who were able to complete the answers. Students behavior

who have not been actively involved in geography subjects was certainly determined by

several factors, both internal and external. Internal factors are namely; student attitudes

toward learning which was tend to be conventional, as well as insufficient interest and

motivation. While external factors, for example, were related to the application of learning

methods that were monotonous. Most learning methods engaged at SMA 2 are conventional

namely coursework/lecture method and assignment completion. Hence, during learning

process students were basically uniterested and became bored quickly.

Inorder to cope all the issues, teacher must be able to arrange, design and implement

effective and efficient learning. Thus, it is expected to enhance students motivated during

learning process and improve learning outcomes as well. Futhermore, in order to provide

students learning motivation, of course an appropriate learning method is required. Learning

method is a method engaged to implement plans that have been prepared, in the form of real

and practical activities to achieve the learning objectives referring Suprijono (2015: 50).

Utilizing suitable learning method could generate easier manner for students to understand

geographic subjects that will affect improvement of student learning outcomes. There are

several learning methods that can be engaged towards geography learning process namely;



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inquiry-based learning methods, discovery-based learning (discovery), problem-based

learning (problem based learning), and project-based learning (project based learning).

However, considering all the method provided, there are two the most appropriate methods to

be utilizied, namely inquiry based learning and problem based learning. Utilizing both

methods allowing students more convenience to embrace thecontents that is directly related

to the real life, including the symptom or phenomena and problems that prevails in daily life

and capable in improving the value of optimal learning outcomes.

Alberta (2004: 1) mentions during Inquiry based learning processes students are

participating on to learning, formulate questions, learn comprehensively and then build new

understandings, meanings and knowledge. This assumption can be interpreted that Inquiry

Based Learning (IBL) is a learning process where students are involved within formulating

questions that lead to conduct investigations in an effort to construct new knowledge and

meanings. Inquiry process is a stage of promoting problems, obtaining information, thinking

creatively in possible solutions, making decisions and arranging conclusions based existing

problems. In contrary, compared to what was stated earlier, Duran & Dokme (2016: 2889)

convinced that Inquiry based learning can be defined as a learning approach in encouraging

students to be active throughout the learning process, enhancing their scientific

processsuitable to skills, and improving critical-thinking skills through discussions and

activities. This statement is strongly associate towards opinion expressed by Unver & Sertac

(2011: 304) argues that inquiry based learning is a learning activity that refers to student

activities, where students allow to develop knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas,

as well as understanding how scientists figure out about the world. Increasing knowledge and

understanding as well as scientific ideas gained by students, especially for subjects which are

expected to improve geography learning outcomes.

Inquiry based learning explanation above relates to Mundilarto's research (2013: 256)

which concludes that inquiry approach is more effective in improving student learning

outcomes compared to the conventional approaches. Basically, inquiry method characteristics

according to Smith & Walker (2010: 27) are; (a) learning is stimulated by inquiry, it is

established by questions or problems, (b) learning is based on a process of constructing

knowledge and new insight, (c) an active approach to learning, involves learning by doing, a

student-centered approach to teaching in which the role of the teacher is a facilitator (d)

anaction to self-directed learning which students are performing high responsibility upon

their learning. Inquiry method learning stages according to Blessinger & John (2014: 11) are:



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exploration, problem identification, investigation, data collection and analysis, conclusions

formulation obtained based on creative communication result.

Inquiry learning is different compared to Problem based learning (PBL). According to

Simone (2014: 18), Problem Based Learning is a pedagogical approach centered on learners,

whichconveys students the opportunity to engage into investigations directed towardslearning

subjectives. This definition is supported by Yew & Karen’s result (2016: 2) that Problem-

based learning is a pedagogical approach that enables students to learn while engaging

actively with problems, this is different towards previously stated,Whitcombe (2013: 41)

convinces that problem-based method learning attempts students the opportunity to develop

skills, such as problem solving, clinical reasoning, and assist students with skills to acquire

science/knowledge. Regarding students skills when solving a problem, reasoning and

debriefing are obtained through stages of problem-based learning method. These stages are

expected to facilitate students to acquire new knowledge in order to achieve optimal learning

outcomes. This matter associates towards Agustini's research results (2017: 97-98) which

state PBL promotes students directly in learning to dissemninate knowledge through real

visualization. Thereby, PBL enables improvement ofstudents learning outcomes. Students

during learning process within Problem based learning are actively involved in preparing and

communicating opinions. Overall, students attitudes engaging PBL method can be

consideredas active and interested in the learning process. PBL does not only improve student

learning, but increases student learning outcomes

Problem based learning method characteristics according to Barrett & Moore (2010:

94-95) are: (a) the issue/problem presented must obtain more than one solution, (b) the

problem must be complex, (c) the problem must be structured reasonably, (d) problem must

be multidisciplinary, (e) problem concerns on teamwork, (f) problems must require ideas in

problem solving, (g) problem solving requires source references, (h) problems require

identification in the process learning, (i) each student or group must reflect the effectiveness

of the learning solution. While, problem based learning stages according to Seng (2009: 9),

are featuring 5 steps as follows: (a) identifying the problem, (b) problem analyzing and

learning issues formulating, (c) discovering and reporting, (d) presenting solution and

reflecting, (e) and ovierview, integrating and evaluating. Contrary tothe Seng’s,Yuniwati

(2016: 17) explains the steps of problem-based learning namely: (a) identifying a problem

and examining relevant information sources, (b) independent learning (self directed learning),

(c) investigating a problem and performing interpretation, (d) establishing several alternative



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solutions to problems (high cognitive complexity), (e) integrating opinions or information

data to determine problems solution, and (f) self reflecting.

2. The Methods

The research method used is a scientific approach to obtain data with specific

objectives and uses. Relating the research that would be conducted, this research is a

quantitative type with a quasi-experimental approach using Match Subject Design. Research

population were students of class X IPS of SMA 2 Plakat Tinggi which composed of 3

classes. Then, researcher collected a sample employing a purposive sampling. Hence, the

sample selected was Class X IPS 3of 35 students as an experimental class with problem

based learning method and Classes X IPS 1 as an experimental class using inquiry method

which composedof 33 students. The data collection technique employed in this study was

learning outcome in term of geography learning test with 20 multiple choice questions. The

test was engaged to determine general ability before and after treatment provided.

Data analysis technique engaged within this research obtained two stages, namely data

description stage and the hypothesis testing stage. The action performed upon data

description test stage was formulating a summary of data distribution in the form of prettest

and posttest using the SPSS 20.00 for window. While for hypothesis examination was

performing independent sample t-test. Data analysis regarding geography learning outcomes

improvement was conducted by the N gain score. N gain score is obtained through posttest

results calculation which are reduced by the prettest value in experimental classes performed

inquiry and problem based learning. In calculating the N gain formula, researcher utilized the

following formula:

Then, assessing the effectiveness of the learning method is performing by calculating

the effect size (ES). The formula used according to Warner (2008: 202) is as follows:

D =

Information:

EZ = Effect Size

M1 = Prettest Mean



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M2 = Posttest Mean

SP = Standard posttest deviation

The calculation results obtained from calculations formulated through over effect size

are categorized toward criteria proposed by Cohen (1988) about the level of the effect size as

follows : Ice ≤ 0.2 (Low), 0.2 ≤ Es ≤ 0.8 (Moderate), and Ice ≥ 0.8 (Height).

3. Results and Discussion

This research is quantitative one that applying two classes as experimental classes.

Learning outcomes were acquired based on two times tests, namely pretest and posttest.

Pretest was performed to determine thestudents initial abilities (pretest) and the final test

(posttest) used to determine the ability of students after being treated with certain learning

methods.

3.1 Pretest Results of Experimental Classes Engaging Inquiry  and Problem Based Learning

Description of the prettest results of student learning outcomes can be seen in table 1 as

follows:

Table 1. Description of Prettest Data of Student Geography Learning Outcomes

No
Descriptive Statistics

Results
Inquiry Problem based learning

1 Mean 44.24 46.42

2 Mode 40 40

3 Median 45 45

4 Deviation Standard 8.20 9.43

Source: Primary data processing (2018)

Based on the table, it shows that the average prettest value of students in the experimental

group 1 applied using the problem based learning method obtain an average value of 46.42,

mode 40, median 45 and a standard deviation of 9.43. While the average prettest value of

students in the experimental group 2 applied using the inquiry method obtain an average

value of 44.24, mode 40, median 45 and a standard deviation of 8.20.

3.2 Posttest Results of Experimental Classes Engaging Inquiry and Problem Based Learning



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Description of prettest data results of students learning can be seen in table 2 as

follows:

Table 2. Description of Posttest Data of Student Geography Learning Outcomes

No
Descriptive Statistics

Results
Inquiry Problem based learning

1 Mean 82.00 75.00

2 Mode 80 75

3 Median 80 75

4 Standard Deviation 8.50 9.10

Source: Primary data processing (2018)

Based on the table, it shows that the average posttest value of students in experimental group

1 applied using the problem based learning method obtain an average value of 82.00, mode

80, median 85 and standard deviation of 8.50. While, the average posttest value of students in

the experimental group 2 applied using the inquiry method obtain an average value of 75.00,

mode 75, median 75 and a standard deviation of 9.10.

3.3 Comparison of Average Prettest, Posttest and N Gain results of Geography Learning

Outcomes

Student learning outcomes escalation in experimental class engaging inquiry method

and problem based learning method is recognizable with comparison between prettest and

posttest values figured in the gain score. Based on the calculation of gain score obtain the

average value of increasing student learning outcomes of experimental class treated with

inquiry method is 31.51. Students learning outcomes who were performed problem based

learning have increased by 35.58. The gain score results of experimental class based inquiry

method and problem based learning presented in table 3 below:

Table 3. Comparison of average Prettest, Posttest and N Gain results

of Geography learning outcomes

No Learning Methods Prettest Posttest N Gain

1 Inquiry 43.18 74.69 31.51

2 Problem based learning 46.42 82.00 35.58

Source: Primary data processing (2018)



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Based on it table 3, it could be examined the differences of learning outcomes improvement

of geography between inquiry and problem based learning within two groups. Experimental

group treated using inquiry method experience an incline of learning outcomes by 31.51,

while the learning outcomes applying problem based learning method increases by 35.58.

3.4 First Hypothesis Examination

Table 4. Statistics Test of Student Learning Outcomes using

Independent Samples Test

Sources: Statistical results based on SPSS 22.00

Based on the results of variance analysis calculation relating the differences of

achievement upon learning outcomes between students who performed problem based

learning and inquiry method with errors opportunity of (p) 0.008, it is smaller than the

specified level of significance of 0.05. The output results assisted with SPSS 22.00

application presented in the table. It can be concluded that the value of t is equal to -2,722

with p value smaller than alpha 0.05. Then H0 is rejected and Ha is accepted.

According to these results, it can be revealed that the null hypothesis (H0) is rejected.

This means "there is a significant difference of learning outcomes intensification between

students who using problem based learning method and students who learned using the

inquiry method". Gain score value based on calculation results between a class applied with

inquiry learning and a class with problem based learning method, the percentage of the Gain

score in table 5 is obtained as follows:

t-test for Equality of Means

T df
Sig. (2-
tailed)

Mean
Difference

Geography
learning
results

Equal variances
assumed

-2.722 66 .008 -.10689

Equal variances
not assumed

-2.718 65.192 .008 -.10689



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Table 5. Percentage of Gain Score

No Learning Methods Test Result Score

1 Inquiry

Prettest Average 43.18

Posttest average 74.69

Gain Score 31.51

% Gain Score 71.13

2 Problem based learning

Prettest Average 46.42

Posttest average 82.00

Gain Score 35.58

% Gain Score 76.61

Source: Primary data processing (2018)

Based on the table, the gain percentage score of learning outcomes in class applied

with the inquiry method is 71.13, smaller than the class applied engaging problem based

learning which is 76.61. Considering these data, it could be assumed that achievement upon

students learning outcomes between the class applied with inquiry method and another class

applied with the problem based learning method has notable differences. The two classes

engaged both inquiry method and Problem based learning have different learning outcomes,

both pretest and posttest scores. The improvement highlight particularly emerges between

posttest value and the pretest (Gain Score), there are prominent differences in learning

outcomes (76.71>71.13).

Based on the study results generated, it is obvious that problem based learning enables

to promote students social studies learning outcomes, since problem based learning method is

an actual method and suitable within activities carried out by students in their daily lives.

Problem based learning method defines learning process that starts from initial stage of

learning based on a problem occurs in real life. Then referring to the problem, students are

stimulated to examine them based on knowledge and experience they obtain previously.

Thereby, a new knowledge and experience will possibly formed.



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3.5 Second Hypothesis Test

Table 6. Effect Size Value of Inquiry and Problem Based Learning

No Learning Methods Test Result Score

1 Inquiry

Prettest Average 43.18

Posttest average 74.69

Gain Score 31.51

Deviation Standard 9.10

Effect Size 3.462

2 Problem based learning

Prettest Average 46.42

Posttest Average 82.00

Gain Score 35.58

Deviation Standard 8.50

Effect Size 4.185

Source: Primary data processing (2018)

Based on the table, it can be seen that the value of the effect size on inquiry method

earns a value of 3.462 which is categorized as the high category. This value is persistent

towards the effect size value on problem based learning method, which also gains 4,185, that

is classified as high category. According to these values, it can be concluded that problem

based learning method engagement is more effective than  inquiry method in term of students

geographic learning outcomes of SMA Plakat Tinggi 2.

According to independent sample t-Test result analysis, it shows that there are slightly

differences of Geography learning outcomes between students who were applied inquiry

method over students who were applied problem based learning method. Results of this study

indicate that geography subject utilizing problem based learning method is more adequate

than inquiry method. Referring to students learning outcomes, presenting that student who

were applied problem based learning method pose higher score than students who were

performed using inquiry method. This achievement gained from statistical analysis, which is

p = 0.008, smaller than the specified level of 0.05, which means significant. This result

confirms that student learning outcomes based inquiry method obtain an average value of

learning outcomes of 31.51, smaller comparedto problem based learning method which pose

an average value of 35.58.

Theoretically, Geography learning engages problem based learning method capable to

motivate students in examining interesting problems and also challenges students to

overcome a factualproblem occurs in everyday life. The similar statement is figured by



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Wijayanti & Wulandari (2016: 119) who contends that learning process within problem based

learning at the beginning stage of activity motivates students to solve interesting and also

challenging problems. Hence, it would be more convienence for students to think at a higher

level and get accustomed in solving the problems. Geography learning performs problem

based learning method concerned on problems utilization reinforces students to relate

problems encountered in daily life. Hence,students could interpret the learning material being

delivered. Problem solving activities within early stage of learning process provide practices

and insight for students to embrace new material. A problem that does not emphasize on

procedures and algorithms help students to think independently in plan making and solving

problems, evaluating solutions consequences and preparing other alternative solutions.

Problem based learning is deliberately designed in the form of problems, thus students

enable to acquire new knowledge in order to promote students proficient in solving problems,

capture their own learning strategies and skills to participate in teams. The learning process

performs systemic approach to solve problems or challenges needed in everyday life.

Futhermore, problem based learning method subjectives as follows: inaugurating flexible

knowledge, developing effective problem solving skills that referring to the abilities to apply

metacognitive strategies and appropriate reasoning, teachers must construct plans how

learning process could achieve learning goals or not, teachers become good collaborators

which, means participating effectively in small groups, assisting students to be intrinsically

motivated, which usually occurs when students work on assignments for their own

satisfaction, interests, or challenges (as cited in Bridges et al., 2012: 3). In addition, problem

based learning application is expected that students could achievesignificant knowledge and

able to boost geography learning outcomes.

Problem based learning and inquiry method occupy different features.Where problem

based learning method ischaracterized of real life issues provided in daily lives of students.

This is similar towards Handoyono (2016: 35) that inquiry method and problem based

learning have characteristics upon problem given. In which, problem within inquiry method

must be identified by students themselves, whereas within problem based learning, problems

are determined by teacher. Thereby, problem based learning method utilization is purposed

for students embracing more skills than memorizing, thinking skills, working with groups or

solving problems. This is unquestionably different towards inquiry method based application

that delivers assignments to students individually. Hence, students tend become more

occupied in performing single task in a subject. In other words, inquiry method possibly

derive students become frustrated once they are unable to complete a learning process.



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Based on the results of data analysis, it can be concluded that Geography learning

applied with problem based learning method is more effective in improving student learning

outcomes. This result reveals through calculations results using the effect size, while problem

based learning method obtains 4,185, categorized as higher category. It is larger than inquiry

method which has a value of 3,462, that is categorized as high category. This also implies

that students who performed problem based learning method have a posttest average value of

82.00, higher than the results of the posttest inquiry method which obtain an average score of

74.69.

In general, according to McKeown et al. (2016: 2) explains that inquiry based learning

is basically a question-based approach to teaching and learning that profitable for students in

a number of ways including improvement and involvement in the learning process,

understanding development, high-level thinking skills and research skills improvement.

Contrary towards what was described earlier, Friesen & David (2013: 21) state that Inquiry-

based teaching is a phenomenon that poses a challenging explanation of what they observe:

devise and conduct experiments which data is collected to support or contradict their theories.

Within learning process using inquiry method, students are actively involved in collaborating

to create a new knowledge by thinking critically and creatively and can make good

discoveries through investigation, reflection, exploration and experimentation. In addition,

during inquiry method students are required to be responsible for their learning. After

learning process is completed, the consequences could be observed based on learning

outcomes improvement.

Characteristics of inquiry based learning stages referring to Minner et al. (2010: 476)

are: (a) students are involved scientifically oriented questions, (b) students develop and

evaluate every single learning outcome, (c) students allow to formulate and answer

scientifically oriented questions, (d) students evaluate the problem explanation and provide

alternative solutions, especially those related to scientific understanding. By engaging this

indicator, makes it convenience to determine the learning process achievement extent

received by students. While, the steps or syntax of inquiry-based learning process according

to Chu et al. (2017: 136-138) are composed of opening, immersion, exploration,

identification, searching, creating and evaluating, sharing, evaluation.

Goodman (2018: 255) argues that problem based learning is a teaching method that

encourages students active learning. Basically, student work together to complete the

problems. Thereby, students are required to perform research and solving complex issue.

Problems presented of problem based learning method basically refer to contextual and



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authentic, that students encounter every day, whether in school or community environment.

Thus,students are expected to provide opportunities and determine solutions upon real life

problems. Problems determination upon problem based learning method have to be clear and

meaningful. Then students may achieve optimal learning goals, optimal learning objectives

occurs along with students learning outcomes enhancement. Problem based learning allows

students to obtain new knowledge easier after arranging solutions towards daily life related

problems.

The effectiveness of problem based learning method can be noticed from students

ability in performing problem solving that has been provided. Thus, it is expected to promote

students understanding the subject matter indaily life related problem. Problem based

learning method requires students to be active within solving activities. Problem solving

concept of PBL model is performed during group discussion. Problem based learning put

strong emphasis on exchanging opinions and sharing experiences. Students who are highly

motivated will be more interested in exploring knowledge and demanding to identify

something new to solve problems related to the real world. Problem based learning method is

expected to improve students' creative thinking abilities in Geography learning, which is

based on real life problems that occur in daily life. Hence, learning process will likely be

much more meaningful, since students are able to formulate answers and solve problems

independently.

The problem provided in problem based learning is a problem related to daily life.

Delivering problems inactual context aims to enable students to construct their own

knowledge. This is associates to Trianto’s argument (2010: 67) that problem-based learning

presents authentic and impressive problem situations to students, so they could provide

convenience manner to conduct investigations and inquiry. Through the problems given,

students attempt to accomplish the problem based on students prior knowledge. Then,

students will possible able to find relation between the previous contentto the new one which

they are performing. Problems as the majorfocus of learning can be completed through team

work. Thereby, students are able to perform diverse learning experiences such as

collaboration and interaction in groups. In addition, learning experiences related to problem

solving such as formulating hypotheses, designing experiments, conducting investigations,

collecting data, interpreting data data, displaying conclusions, presenting, discussing, and

writing reports Wijayanti & Wulandari (2016: 121). This situation shows that problem based

learning could implement more experience and knowledge compared to other learning

methods. Furthermore, problem based learning method engagement allows students to



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increase their understanding of what they learn in everyday life and can be applied in

contextual term.

The purposes of problem based learning method according to Hmelo-Silver (2004) are

namely: constructing dynamic knowledge, developing effective problem solving skills that

refer to the ability in applying metacognitive and reasoning strategies adequately, teacher

ability to plan how the learning process can achieve learning goals, becoming good

collaborators, which means participating effectively in small groups, supporting students to

be intrinsically motivated, which occurs when students work on assignments for satisfaction,

interest, or meet their own challenges (as cited in Bridges et al., 2012: 3). In addition,

implementation of problem based learning method within learning process is expected

students achievement in term of knowledge acquisition and learning outcomes escalation.

According to Grady et al.(2012: 150) propose problem based learning characteristics

as follows: (a) lead to learning issues, (b) interest and stimulate triggers, (c) stimulate critical

reasoning, (d) promote self directed learning, (e) related to prior knowledge and (f) promote

teamwork. In addition, regarding previously characteristics of problem based learning

method, the learning process begins with the following steps: (a) identify a problem and

explore relevant information sources, (b) independent learning (c) conduct an investigation of

a problem and interpret it, (d) prioritize several alternative solutions to problems (high

cognitive complexity), (e) integrate opinions or information data to determine problems

solutions, (f) self-reflection (Yuniawati, 2016: 17). Based on problem based learning method

stages could derive a significant influence in improving student learning outcomes compared

to inquiry method. Since, problem based learning method encourages students to recognize

how to learn and cooperate in a group to determine a solution to the problems that prevails in

the real world. Simulation stage are conducted to activate students curiousity before starting

to learn a subject. In addition, the existence of this simulation prepares students to think

critically and analytically, also to acquire and perform learning resources appropriately. It can

be implied that problem based learning method is a learning process which has starting point

of learning based on real life problems. Starts from this problem, students are stimulated to

examine them according totheir knowledge and experience they had before hand. Thus,

students new knowledge and experience will be formed. Discussion within small groups is

the main point of problem based learning method implementation, as discussions would

promote students exchange ideas or express opinions with each other. In addition, problem

based learning method is a very effective guide in improving student learning outcomes,

especially geography subject.



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As problem based learning (PBL) method poses many benefits compared to inquiry

method, according to Westwood (2008: 31) PBL offers several reasons as follows: (a)

encourage self-direction in learning, (b) prepare students for critical, analytical thinking, and

empower students to identify, (c) finding and using appropriate resources, (d) the problems

studied are closely related to the real world. Hence, it motivates students to learn, (e) promote

students to be active in integrating information and skills from various scientific disciplines,

knowledge and strategies tend to be restored and transferred to other learning situations, and

improve the communication skills and social skills needed for teamwork and teamwork. In

addition, problem based learning method poses a number of activities that must be completed

for students, which expect students not only to record then memorize the subject matter, but

also students are required to actively think, communicate, search and process data, and finally

conclude. Referring to the two learning methods, both in the form of inquiry method and

problem based learning method, as well as improving student learning outcomes, both of

these learning methods are able to improve student learning outcomes of geographic subject.

Where the calculation result of problem based learning enhances learning outcomes with

average by 82.00, higher than the average value of learning outcomes applied with inquiry

method which obtains a value of 74.69

4. Conclusion

There is a difference significant difference of learning outcomes between students who

learn engaging inquiry methods and problem-based learning methods. This can be observed

based on average improvement in student learning outcomes between students who were

treated with learning-based method gain value of 82.00, higher than the average learning

outcomes applied with inquiry method which obtains a value of 74.69. Problem-based

learning method is more effectively applied to geography subjects rather than inquiry method

in term of improving student learning outcomes. This is indicated by calculation results of

effect size, which students who were performing problem based learning method obtain value

of 4.185, it is greater than the students who were applying inquiry method which obtain a

value of 3.462.

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