Improving the Quality of Pupils’ Response in Science Inquiry Teaching: a Participatory Action Research

Abstract This research is aimed at improving the quality of standard four pupils’ response in science inquiry teaching using Easy Erase Response Board (EERB). Respondents in this research consisted of ten standard four pupils from Talang Primary School. Researchers found out that the quality of pupils’ in-class response was very low. They also exhibited a passive attitude in answering questions in inquiry teaching. Researchers additionally found out that one of the problems lies in the quality of teachers’ inquiry. Thus, researchers have come up with EERB based on the idea of a famous American television reality show called “Are You Smarter Than a 5 th Grader ? ”. The use of EERB is aimed at assisting the pupils to improve their quality of response in inquiry learning. Data is collected in the form of qualitative and quantitative involving unstructured observation, structured observation, Low Inference Self-Assessment Measure (LISAM) and questionnaires. The quality of pupils’ responses increased as a result of the use of EERB, which gives sufficient waiting time for pupils to think more appropriately. The pupils also seemed to have fun and were determined to display their EERB to the class because they all have the opportunity to respond. From the LISAM analysis, the multi questioning techniques used by the teachers as well as their willingness to receive ideas from the pupils show that teacher can improve questioning techniques using EERB. In conclusion, the use of EERB is proven to have improved the quality of pupils’ responses and have increased their interest and enthusiasm in answering questions in the inquiry teaching.