Exploring Scientific Inquiry Literacy Among Physics Teachers
Country:
(1) Physics Education Study Program. Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia. Indonesia, Indonesia
(2) Physics Education Study Program. Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia. Indonesia, Indonesia
(3) Physics Education Study Program. Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia. Indonesia, Indonesia
(4) Physics Education Study Program. Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia. Indonesia, Indonesia
| Metrics→ |
| Indexing Site→ |
Copyright (c) 2025 Rizki Eka Shintya, Syafnah Aisyah Nauli Harahap, Andi Suhandi, Ika Mustika Sari
This study aims to examine the Scientific Inquiry Literacy (SIL) of in-service physics teachers in West Java. focusing on three key aspects: knowledge. skills. and attitudes toward scientific inquiry. The research addresses the need to understand teachers' readiness to implement inquiry-based instruction as part of quality science education. A descriptive survey design was employed involving 27 physics teachers from various cities and regencies in West Java. Participants were selected through purposive sampling based on their active teaching status and academic background. Data were collected via an online questionnaire using the Scientific Inquiry Literacy Instrument (SILI). which comprises 35 multiple-choice items on knowledge. 39 on skills. and 30 attitude statements. Rasch Model analysis was applied to evaluate person and item measures. reliability. and item difficulty. with Wright Map outputs used to visualize the distribution of teacher abilities. Results showed that the overall SIL of participating teachers was relatively high. as indicated by a mean person measure above the item mean across all aspects. Among the three aspects. the attitude aspect (AA) yielded the highest person measure (1.57). followed by knowledge (KA) at 0.50 and skills (SA) at 0.13. Despite these strengths. the data revealed a mismatch between teacher ability and item difficulty in some areas. suggesting a potential ceiling effect and room for improvement. particularly in applying complex inquiry skills. While physics teachers in this study demonstrate a generally strong level of scientific inquiry literacy. the use of non-probability sampling and a small sample size limits the generalizability of the findings. Targeted professional development is recommended to strengthen teachers’ competencies in complex inquiry practices and to support the continued integration of inquiry-based learning in physics classrooms.
Keywords: scientific inquiry literacy. inquiry-based learning. physics teachers.
Abaniel. A. (2021). Enhanced conceptual understanding. 21st century skills and learning attitudes through an open inquiry learning model in Physics. Journal of Technology and Science Education. 11(1). 30. https://doi.org/10.3926/jotse.1004
Adisendjaja. Y. H.. Rustaman. N. Y.. Redjeki. S.. & Satori. D. (2017). Science teachers’ understanding of scientific inquiry in teacher professional development. Journal of Physics: Conference Series. 812. 012054. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/812/1/012054
Akuma. F. V.. & Callaghan. R. (2019). A systematic review characterizing and clarifying intrinsic teaching challenges linked to inquiry‐based practical work. Journal of Research in Science Teaching. 56(5). 619–648. https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.21516
Al Ali. R. (2024). Enhancing 21st century skills through integrated stem education using project-oriented problem-based learning. GeoJournal of Tourism and Geosites. 53(2). 421–430. https://doi.org/10.30892/gtg.53205-1217
Ann Haefner. L.. & Zembal‐Saul. C. (2004). Learning by doing? Prospective elementary teachers’ developing understandings of scientific inquiry and science teaching and learning. International Journal of Science Education. 26(13). 1653–1674. https://doi.org/10.1080/0950069042000230709
Bartos. S. A.. & Lederman. N. G. (2014). Teachers’ knowledge structures for nature of science and scientific inquiry: Conceptions and classroom practice. Journal of Research in Science Teaching. 51(9). 1150–1184. https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.21168
Baykara. H.. Yakar. Z.. & Liu. S. (2018). Preservice science teachers’ views about scientific inquiry. European Journal of Education Studies. 4(10).
Bevins. S.. & Price. G. (2016). Reconceptualising inquiry in science education. International Journal of Science Education. 38(1). 17–29. https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2015.1124300
Boone. W. J.. & Staver. J. R. (2020). Wright Maps (Part 3 and Counting...). In Advances in Rasch Analyses in the Human Sciences (pp. 215–253). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-43420-5_16
Cairns. D.. & Areepattamannil. S. (2019). Exploring the relations of inquiry-based teaching to science achievement and dispositions in 54 countries. Research in Science Education. 49(1). 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11165-017-9639-x
Chen. K.. & Chen. C. (2021). Effects of STEM inquiry method on learning attitude and creativity. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics. Science and Technology Education. 17(11). em2031. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/11254
Chi. S.. Wang. Z.. & Liu. X. (2021). Moderating effects of teacher feedback on the associations among inquiry-based science practices and students’ science-related attitudes and beliefs. International Journal of Science Education. 43(14). 2426–2456. https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2021.1968532
Chu. S. K. W.. Reynolds. R. B.. Tavares. N. J.. Notari. M.. & Lee. C. W. Y. (2017). 21st Century Skills Development Through Inquiry-Based Learning. Springer Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-2481-8
Cigdemoglu. C.. & Köseoğlu. F. (2019). Improving science teachers’ views about scientific inquiry. Science & Education. 28(3–5). 439–469. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11191-019-00054-0
Correia. C. F.. & Harrison. C. (2020). Teachers’ beliefs about inquiry-based learning and its impact on formative assessment practice. Research in Science & Technological Education. 38(3). 355–376. https://doi.org/10.1080/02635143.2019.1634040
Darman. D. R.. Suhandi. A.. Kaniawati. I.. & Samsudin. A. (2024). Profile of Science Inquiry Literacy (SIL) achievements of pre-service physics teacher using rasch model measurements. Gravity : Jurnal Ilmiah Penelitian Dan Pembelajaran Fisika. 10(1). https://doi.org/10.30870/gravity.v10i1.22769
Darman. D. R.. Suhandi. A.. Kaniawati. I.. Samsudin. A.. & Wibowo. F. C. (2024). Development and validation of scientific inquiry literacy instrument (sili) using rasch measurement model. Education Sciences. 14(3). 322. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14030322
Davis. D. R.. & Boone. W. (2021). Using Rasch analysis to evaluate the psychometric functioning of the other-directed. lighthearted. intellectual. and whimsical (OLIW) adult playfulness scale. International Journal of Educational Research Open. 2. 100054. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedro.2021.100054
de Jong. T.. Lazonder. A. W.. Chinn. C. A.. Fischer. F.. Gobert. J.. Hmelo-Silver. C. E.. Koedinger. K. R.. Krajcik. J. S.. Kyza. E. A.. Linn. M. C.. Pedaste. M.. Scheiter. K.. & Zacharia. Z. C. (2023). Let’s talk evidence – The case for combining inquiry-based and direct instruction. Educational Research Review. 39. 100536. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2023.100536
Duncan. R. G.. Av-Shalom. N. Y.. & Chinn. C. A. (2021). Inquiry and learning in science. In International Handbook of Inquiry and Learning (pp. 325–344). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315685779-22
Ekici. M.. & Erdem. M. (2020). Developing Science Process Skills through Mobile Scientific Inquiry. Thinking Skills and Creativity. 36. 100658. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2020.100658
Faisal. & Martin. S. N. (2019). Science education in Indonesia: past. present. and future. Asia-Pacific Science Education. 5(1). 4. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41029-019-0032-0
Gale. J.. Koval. J.. Alemdar. M.. Grossman. S.. & Usselman. M. (2022). Sustaining shifts in science teaching through a research–practice partnership. School Science and Mathematics. 122(6). 298–310. https://doi.org/10.1111/ssm.12545
Ham. E. H.. Lee. S.. & Lee. Y. (2025). Latent profiles of performance and motivation on science inquiry activities: Does high performance always come with high motivation? International Journal of Educational Research. 130. 102531. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2024.102531
Haynes. M.. Brown. A.. Nichols. K.. & Parveen Musofer. R. (2023). Measurement of student attitudes to science and association with inquiry-based learning in regional schools. International Journal of Science Education. 45(8). 593–612. https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2023.2168138
HEBEBCİ. M. T.. & USTA. E. (2022). The Effects of Integrated STEM Education Practices on Problem Solving Skills. Scientific Creativity. and Critical Thinking Dispositions. Participatory Educational Research. 9(6). 358–379. https://doi.org/10.17275/per.22.143.9.6
Hendratmoko. A. F.. Madlazim. M.. Widodo. W.. & Sanjaya. I. G. M. (2023). The impact of inquiry-based online learning with virtual laboratories on students’ scientific argumentation skills. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education. 24(4). 1–20. https://doi.org/10.17718/tojde.1129263
Herrington. D. G.. Bancroft. S. F.. Edwards. M. M.. & Schairer. C. J. (2016). I Want to be the inquiry guy! how research experiences for teachers change beliefs. attitudes. and Values About Teaching Science as Inquiry. Journal of Science Teacher Education. 27(2). 183–204. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10972-016-9450-y
Hikmah. F. N.. Sukarelawan. Moh. I.. Nurjannah. T.. & Djumati. J. (2021). Elaboration of high school students’ metacognition awareness on heat and temperature material: wright map in rasch model. Indonesian Journal of Science and Mathematics Education. 4(2). 172–182. https://doi.org/10.24042/ijsme.v4i2.9488
Houseal. A. K.. Abd-El-Khalick. F.. & Destefano. L. (2014). Impact of a student-teacher-scientist partnership on students’ and teachers’ content knowledge. attitudes toward science. and pedagogical practices. Journal of Research in Science Teaching. 51(1). 84–115. https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.21126
Ibrahim. S.. & Mahmud. S. N. D. (2020). Inquiry-based science teaching: knowledge and skills among science teachers. Humanities & Social Sciences Reviews. 8(4). 110–120. https://doi.org/10.18510/hssr.2020.8413
Indasa. N.. & Jauhariyah. M. N. R. (2024). Analysis of the science literacy competency profile of high school students on sound wave material. Jurnal Phi Jurnal Pendidikan Fisika Dan Fisika Terapan. 10(2). 52. https://doi.org/10.22373/p-jpft.v10i2.24900
Ješková. Z.. Lukáč. S.. Šnajder. Ľ.. Guniš. J.. Klein. D.. & Kireš. M. (2022). Active Learning in STEM education with regard to the development of inquiry skills. Education Sciences. 12(10). 686. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci12100686
Kaiser. I.. Mayer. J.. & Malai. D. (2018). Self-Generation in the context of inquiry-based learning. Frontiers in Psychology. 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02440
Kamarudin. M. Z.. Mat Noor. M. S. A.. & Omar. R. (2024). A scoping review of the effects of a technology-integrated. inquiry-based approach on primary pupils’ learning in science. Research in Science & Technological Education. 42(3). 828–847. https://doi.org/10.1080/02635143.2022.2138847
Kan. Z.. Tan. A.-L.. Pei. X.. Wu. Q.. & Yao. X. (2024). Exploring science teachers’ epistemic beliefs about scientific inquiry and influencing factors. International Journal of Science Education. 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693. 2024.2428837
Kaya. F.. Borgerding. L. A.. & Ferdous. T. (2021). Secondary science teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs and implementation of inquiry. Journal of Science Teacher Education. 32(1). 107–121. https://doi.org/10.1080/1046560X.2020.1807095
Kazemi. S.. Ashraf. H.. Motallebzadeh. K.. & Zeraatpishe. M. (2020). Development and validation of a null curriculum questionnaire focusing on 21st century skills using the Rasch model. Cogent Education. 7(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2020.1736849
Kennedy. M. M. (2016). How Does Professional Development Improve Teaching? Review of Educational Research. 86(4). 945–980. https://doi.org/10.3102/0034654315626800
Khaokhajorn. W.. & Srisawasdi. N. (2024). Assessing pre-service science teachers’ understanding of the nature of scientific inquiry to develop a sustainable technology-infused pedagogical program in teacher education. Cogent Education. 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2024.2439160
Kuo. Y.-R.. Tuan. H.-L.. & Chin. C.-C. (2019). Examining low and non-low achievers’ motivation towards science learning under inquiry-based instruction. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education. 17(5). 845–862. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-018-9908-9
Letina. A. (2020). Development of students’ learning to learn competence in primary science. Education Sciences. 10(11). 325. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci10110325
Lu. Y.-Y.. Lin. H.. Smith. T. J.. Hong. Z.-R.. & Hsu. W.-Y. (2020). The effects of critique-driven inquiry intervention on students’ critical thinking and scientific inquiry competency. Journal of Baltic Science Education. 19(6). 954–971. https://doi.org/10.33225/jbse/20.19.954
Ma. Y. (2023). The effect of inquiry-based practices on scientific literacy: the mediating role of science attitudes. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education. 21(7). 2045–2066. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-022-10336-9
Marshall. J. C.. Smart. J. B.. & Alston. D. M. (2017). Inquiry-Based instruction: a possible solution to improving student learning of both science concepts and scientific practices. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education. 15(5). 777–796. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-016-9718-x
Mesci. G.. Schwartz. R. S.. & Pleasants. B. A.-S. (2020). Enabling factors of preservice science teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge for nature of science and nature of scientific inquiry. Science & Education. 29(2). 263–297. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11191-019-00090-w
Meulenbroeks. R.. van Rijn. R.. & Reijerkerk. M. (2024). Fostering secondary school science students’ intrinsic motivation by inquiry-based learning. Research in Science Education. 54(3). 339–358. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11165-023-10139-0
Miarsyah. M.. Vivanti. D.. & Meisyafora. (2020). The Effect of Mastery of Science Concepts and Critical Thinking Ability on the Science Literacy Ability of Science Teachers. International Journal of Research Publication. 52(1). 64–69.
Morris. D. L. (2025). Rethinking science education practices: shifting from investigation-centric to comprehensive inquiry-based instruction. Education Sciences. 15(1). 73. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15010073
Novitra. F.. Festiyed. F.. Yohandri. Y.. & Asrizal. A. (2021). Development of online-based inquiry learning model to improve 21st-century skills of physics students in senior high school. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics. Science and Technology Education. 17(9). em2004. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/11152
Nugroho. O.. Permanasari. A.. & Firman. H. (2019). The Movement of STEM education in indonesia: science teachers’ perspectives. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia. 8(3). https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v8i3.19252
Özer. F.. & Sarıbaş. D. (2023). Exploring pre-service science teachers’ understanding of scientific inquiry and scientific practices through a laboratory course. Science & Education. 32(3). 787–820. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11191-022-00325-3
Planinic. M.. Boone. W. J.. Susac. A.. & Ivanjek. L. (2019). Rasch analysis in physics education research: Why measurement matters. Physical Review Physics Education Research. 15(2). 020111. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevPhysEducRes.15.020111
Pozuelo-Muñoz. J.. Calvo-Zueco. E.. Sánchez-Sánchez. E.. & Cascarosa-Salillas. E. (2023). Science skills development through problem-based learning in secondary education. Education Sciences. 13(11). 1096. https://doi.org/10.3390/ educsci13111096
Raccanello. D.. Vicentini. G.. & Burro. R. (2019). Children’s psychological representation of earthquakes: analysis of written definitions and rasch scaling. Geosciences. 9(5). 208. https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences9050208
Ramli. M.. Susanti. B. H.. & Yohana. M. P. (2022). Indonesian students’ scientific literacy in islamic junior high school. International Journal of STEM Education for Sustainability. 2(1). 53–65. https://doi.org/10.53889/ijses.v2i1.33
Saputra. H.. Suhandi. A.. & Setiawan. A. (2019). Profile of inquiry skills pre-service physics teacher in Aceh. Journal of Physics: Conference Series. 1157. 032046. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1157/3/032046
Şengül. Ö. (2024). Physics teachers’ views of inquiry and classroom practices. Proceedings of the International Academic Conference on Education. 1(1). 13–19. https://doi.org/10.33422/iaceducation.v1i1.634
Shi. W.-Z.. Zuo. C.. & Wang. J. (2025). Impact of inquiry-based teaching and group composition on students’ understanding of the nature of science in college physics laboratory. Physical Review Physics Education Research. 21(1). 010134. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevPhysEducRes.21.010134
Stender. A.. Schwichow. M.. Zimmerman. C.. & Härtig. H. (2018). Making inquiry-based science learning visible: the influence of CVS and cognitive skills on content knowledge learning in guided inquiry. International Journal of Science Education. 40(15). 1812–1831. https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2018.1504346
Strat. T. T. S.. Henriksen. E. K.. & Jegstad. K. M. (2024). Inquiry-based science education in science teacher education: a systematic review. Studies in Science Education. 60(2). 191–249. https://doi.org/10.1080/03057267.2023.2207148
Stylos. G.. Christonasis. A.. & Kotsis. K. (2023). Pre-service primary teachers’ views about scientific inquiry. International Journal of Studies in Education and Science. 4(2). 100–112. https://doi.org/10.46328/ijses.66
Sumintono. B.. & Widhiarso. W. (2014). Aplikasi model Rasch untuk penelitian ilmu-ilmu sosial (edisi revisi). Trim Komunikata Publishing House.
Tan. A.-L.. Ong. Y. S.. Ng. Y. S.. & Tan. J. H. J. (2023). STEM Problem Solving: Inquiry. Concepts. and Reasoning. Science & Education. 32(2). 381–397. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11191-021-00310-2
Thacker. B. (2023). Inquiry-based experimental physics: Twenty years of an evidence-based. laboratory-based physics course for algebra-based physics students. Physical Review Physics Education Research. 19(2). 020116. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevPhysEducRes.19.020116
Thibaut. L.. Knipprath. H.. Dehaene. W.. & Depaepe. F. (2018). The influence of teachers’ attitudes and school context on instructional practices in integrated STEM education. Teaching and Teacher Education. 71. 190–205. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2017.12.014
Topsakal. İ.. Yalçın. S. A.. & Çakır. Z. (2022). The effect of problem-based stem education on the students’ critical thinking tendencies and their perceptions for problem solving skills. Science Education International. 33(2). 136–145. https://doi.org/10.33828/sei.v33.i2.1
Urdanivia Alarcon. D. A.. Talavera-Mendoza. F.. Rucano Paucar. F. H.. Cayani Caceres. K. S.. & Machaca Viza. R. (2023). Science and inquiry-based teaching and learning: a systematic review. Frontiers in Education. 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1170487
Van Driel. J. H.. & Berry. A. (2012). Teacher Professional Development Focusing on Pedagogical Content Knowledge. Educational Researcher. 41(1). 26–28. https://doi.org/10.3102/0013189X11431010
van Uum. M. S. J.. Verhoeff. R. P.. & Peeters. M. (2016). Inquiry-based science education: towards a pedagogical framework for primary school teachers. International Journal of Science Education. 38(3). 450–469. https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2016.1147660
Vilela. M.. Morais. C.. & Paiva. J. C. (2025). Inquiry-Based Science Education in High Chemistry: Enhancing Oral and Written Communication Skills Through Authentic and Problem-Based Learning Activities. Education Sciences. 15(3). 334. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15030334
Worachak. S. P.. Damnoen. P. S.. & Hong. D. A. C. (2023). Analysis of critical thinking skills in problem-based learning and inquiry learning models. EduFisika: Jurnal Pendidikan Fisika. 8(3). 282–293. https://doi.org/10.59052/edufisika.v8i3.29442
Yu. C. H. (2020). Objective Measurement: How Rasch Modeling Can Simplify and Enhance Your Assessment. In Rasch Measurement (pp. 47–73). Springer Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-1800-3_4
Zheng. T.. Ardolino. M.. Bacchetti. A.. Perona. M.. & Zanardini. M. (2019). The impacts of Industry 4.0: a descriptive survey in the Italian manufacturing sector. Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management. 31(5). 1085–1115. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMTM-08-2018-0269
Zion. M.. Schwartz. R. S.. Rimerman-Shmueli. E.. & Adler. I. (2020). Supporting teachers’ understanding of nature of science and inquiry through personal experience and perception of inquiry as a dynamic process. Research in Science Education. 50(4). 1281–1304. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11165-018-9732-9
Refbacks
- There are currently no refbacks.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.


