Learning cycle

The learning cycle is a research-supported method for education, particularly in science. The learning cycle has five overlapping phases:

1. Engage: in which a student's interest is captured and the topic is established.
2. Explore: in which the student is allowed to construct knowledge in the topic through facilitated questioning and observation.
3. Explain: in which students are asked to explain what they have discovered, and the instructor leads a discussion of the topic to refine the students' understanding.
4. Extend: in which students are asked to apply what they have learned in different but similar situations, and the instructor guides the students toward the next discussion topic.
5. Evaluate: in which the instructor observes each student's knowledge and understanding, and leads students to assess whether what they have learned is true. Evaluation should take place throughout the cycle, not within its own set phase.

Methods of implementing the "learning cycle"

1. Engage: Use of anecdotes that relate to subject.
2. Explore: Allow discussion that students discover answers instead of just hearing answers.
3. Explain: Students are required to reword what they have learned to demonstrate their knowledge.
4. Extend: Take the principles taught and have students apply the knowledge in another area or facet of the subject.
5. Evaluate: Observe and correct each student individually to perfect their "working" knowledge of the subject.