Research Article

Effect of AI-enhanced Inquiry Based Learning on Scientific Reasoning Ability and Achievement in Photosynthesis among Basic Science Students in Zaria, Kaduna State

Hauwa'u Adamu Usman1, Yakubu Amina1*, Nuru Ramatu Asabe1
1 Federal University of Education Zaria
* Corresponding author: aminayakubu12@gmail.com
Published: Oct, 2026
Pages: 103–112
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Abstract

ABSTRACT The study investigated the effect of AI-Enhanced Inquiry-Based Learning on scientific reasoning ability and academic performance of Basic Science students in Photosynthesis concept in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. A quasi-experimental, pre-test-post-test design with non-equivalent control group was employed with two intact classes of 156 students from a population of 30,840 students from public secondary schools in Zaria Local Government Area. A total of 79 students in the experimental group were taught Photosynthesis using the AI-Enhanced Inquiry Based Learning platform, while 77 students in the control group were taught the same topic using conventional lecture method. Two validated instruments; the Scientific Reasoning Test (SRT) and the Photosynthesis Achievement Test (PAT) were used for data collection. Reliability was determined using test re-test method and data was analyzed using Pearson Moment Correlation Coefficient statistics, yielding a reliability coefficient of 0.79 and 0.82 respectively. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, t-test and 2 × 2 factorial ANCOVA, with pre-test scores as covariates. Results obtained, showed that the treatment effect on students' scientific reasoning ability was statistically significant (p = 0.01), there was a statistically significant treatment effect on students' achievement in photosynthesis (p = 0.01) and the main effect of gender is not significant for scientific reasoning, F (1, 153) = 0.15, p = 0.70. The study concluded that AI-enhanced IBL has effect on developing students’ reasoning ability in photosynthesis and achievement and it is gender friendly. It was recommended that basic science teachers should adopt AI-enhanced IBL in teaching photosynthesis and by implication, other difficult basic science concepts.

Keywords

Keywords: AI-Enhanced Inquiry-Based Learning Photosynthesis Scientific Reasoning Achievement Basic Science

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How to Cite

Usman, H. A., Amina, Y., & Asabe, N. R. (2026). Effect of AI-enhanced Inquiry Based Learning on Scientific Reasoning Ability and Achievement in Photosynthesis among Basic Science Students in Zaria, Kaduna State. Journal of Studies in Science and Mathematics Education, 6(2), 103–112.

H. A. Usman, Y. Amina, and N. R. Asabe, "Effect of AI-enhanced Inquiry Based Learning on Scientific Reasoning Ability and Achievement in Photosynthesis among Basic Science Students in Zaria, Kaduna State," Journal of Studies in Science and Mathematics Education, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 103–112, October 2026.

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