The effects of mathematical inquiry in developing critical thinking of grade 8 students

This study determined the effect of mathematical inquiry in developing critical thinking of selected Grade 8 students at Tabaco National High School for School Year 2024–2025. The topics covered in this study are factoring polynomials with the greatest monomial factor, factoring the difference of two squares, factoring the sum and difference of two cubes, factoring perfect square trinomials, factoring general trinomials, simplifying rational algebraic expressions, multiplying rational algebraic expressions, dividing rational algebraic expressions, and adding/subtracting rational algebraic expressions. The researcher applied experimental research wherein pre and post-test design was applied, using two (2) groups, the control and the experimental groups. These groups were tested before and after the experimentation. Test results were utilized as a basis in providing judgment on the effect of the interventions provided. 

The main tool used by the researcher to gather the data is a teacher-made pre- and post-test. The performance of the students in each group was determined by computing the mean score in each skill and the corresponding performance level. The researcher utilized a t-test for independent samples to test the hypothesis of whether there is a significant difference in the performance of the control and experimental groups in the pre- and post-tests. After the experimentation process, enhanced lesson plans were presented to address the identified least mastered competencies of the experimental group.  Results showed that the performance of the control and experimental groups vary significantly in the post-test using mathematical inquiry approach.