Article 2025

InquiryGPT: Augmenting ChatGPT for Enhancing Inquiry-Based Learning in STEM Education

Journal of Educational Computing Research
Journal · Vol. 62 · Issue 8 · pp. 2157-2186
Abstract

The core purpose of integrating inquiry-based learning strategies into STEM activities is to create a challenging learning environment that stimulates students’ active learning, thereby effectively enhancing their interest in learning, thinking skills, and practical application abilities. To achieve these goals, developing more technology-assisted tools and platforms to improve teaching efficiency and enrich the learning experience becomes crucial. Therefore, this research developed InquiryGPT, which guides students through the POEE inquiry process by imposing limitations, facilitating dialogue, and providing feedback, while avoiding over-reliance on ChatGPT. This promotes the cultivation of higher-order thinking skills through interactions with InquiryGPT, thereby enhancing students’ knowledge construction and understanding. This study, based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), examined the effectiveness of InquiryGPT. The results showed no significant difference between InquiryGPT and ChatGPT in terms of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. Additionally, through analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), the study further analyzed the impact of InquiryGPT on students’ higher-order thinking skills and learning scores, proving that it significantly enhances students’ creativity, problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and knowledge construction. © The Author(s) 2024.

Keywords

Author Keywords

Knowledge construction ChatGPT inquiry-based learning STEM education Higher order thinking skills technology acceptance model (TAM)

Index Keywords

Author Affiliations
National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
Funding & Acknowledgements
National Science and Technology Council, NSTC
Grant: NSTC 110-2511-H-006-012 -MY3, 112-2410-H-006 -053 -MY3
The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This research is supported by the National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan, R.O.C. under grant Nos. NSTC 110-2511-H-006-012 -MY3; NSTC 112-2410-H-006 -053 -MY3.
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