An Investigation of the Effects of Discovery Learning on Grade 5 Students’ Satisfaction and Learning Outcomes in the Topic of Cells at Savannakhet Teacher Training College Demonstration Secondary School, Academic Year 2024–2025

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the learning outcomes, effectiveness, and satisfaction of 5th-grade students regarding discovery learning on the topic of “Cells.” The sample consisted of 26 students from Savannakhet Teacher Training College Demonstration Secondary School. The research instruments included pre-test and post-test achievement tests and a student satisfaction questionnaire. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and the Paired Samples t-test. The findings revealed that the post-test mean score (16.62) was significantly higher than the pre-test mean score (5.19). The discovery learning approach met the effectiveness criterion of E1/E2 = 75/75, with actual results of 90.17/83.1. The students’ satisfaction with the discovery learning approach was at the highest level, with an overall mean score of 4.81. The results indicate that discovery learning is an effective instructional method for improving students’ knowledge and fostering positive learning attitudes.