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This study investigates the effect of inquiry-based learning with socio-scientific issues on students' higher-order thinking skills in the first year based on chemistry topics. This study used a quasi-experiment design as a method. A sample of 96 students in three classes was selected and was divided into two groups. An experimental group used two classes (68 students) that received the instruction by inquiry-based learning with socio-scientific issues, while the control group (28 students) received instruction using verification learning. The data were collected using pretest and post-test. The results were analyzed using SPSS 16.0 for windows software by employing ANOVA and effect size. This study showed that the experimental groups have a higher score in Higher Order Thinking Skills than the control group students, and there was a significant difference between the experimental groups and the control group with a large effect size. Thus, this study concluded that inquiry-based learning with socio-scientific issues helps conduct the classroom's learning strategies to improve students' higher-order thinking skills.

This study aims to compare the impact of the Dual Situated Learning Model (DSLM) and conventional instructions in improving High School Students' understanding of chemical equilibrium concepts and the prevention of possible misconceptions. The study utilized a quasi-pretest-posttest control and experimental group design with two classes of XI SMAN as the research sample (N=60 students). Pre-posttests consisting of 12 two-tier questions (r = 0.691) used to assess the learners' understanding of the chemical equilibrium. The results showed a significant difference in favor of the learners who taught using the DSLM model in comparison to those in the conventional approaches (F[subscript ount] = 4.149; p = 0.003). Students in the experimental class had a better understanding and fewer misconceptions about the concept of chemical equilibrium. Implications for science educators suggest that learning that is designed by considering students' misconceptions or preconceptions and anticipating them through appropriate learning steps will have a positive influence on the learners' conceptual understanding.