Abstract

Recent evidence indicates that many high school students continue to exhibit weak problem-solving skills and incomplete conceptual understanding of environmental change, although both are critical for addressing increasingly complex ecological challenges in the 21st century. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the INSPIRE learning model in enhancing problem-solving skills and conceptual mastery of environmental change among high school students. The INSPIRE model integrates e-modules, guided inquiry-based learning (GIBL), and deep learning principles into a cohesive instructional framework. A quasi-experimental design with a non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest approach was employed, involving 108 Grade 10 students in three groups: an experimental group applying the INSPIRE model, control group 1 utilising discovery learning, and control group 2 implementing guided inquiry without e-modules. Data were collected through pretests and posttests assessing problem-solving skills and conceptual mastery of environmental change, complemented by observations of the learning implementation. The results showed that students in the INSPIRE group obtained higher mean posttest scores in both problem-solving skills and concept mastery than students in the two control groups, with statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). The findings suggest that the integration of e-modules, GIBL, and deep learning principles within the INSPIRE learning model supports a more meaningful learning experience and fosters 21st-century competencies, particularly problem solving in an environmental context. Practically, the INSPIRE learning model represents a promising option for biology instruction, especially for topics that require analytical thinking, investigation, and deep conceptual understanding.

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