Learning through Understanding and Experience
Visual Studio Code for Education’s educator resources are grounded in several theoretical frameworks, most notably a modified version of the 5E Model[1]. This pedagogical approach which represents a culmination of work by the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study in 1987, aimed to foster collaborative learning through inquiry and problem-solving. The model also incorporates constructivist theory which emphasizes that people construct meaning from their experiences and is suitable for teaching computer science topics.
Why we applied an updated 5E model
The original model includes five stages: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate and Evaluate. We’ve modified the 5E model to increase the emphasis on action-oriented and reflective student and educator practices - enhancing the learning experience by making the goals of each phase clearer and more collaborative.
- A shift from “Explanation” to “Apply” focuses on the practical use of knowledge. This shift encourage students to immediately put their understanding into practice, reinforcing learning through application.
- A shift from “Elaborate” to “Apply and Extend” reinforces that students should not only use their knowledge but also expand on it to identify the broader implications and connections of what they’ve learned.
- A shift from “Evaluate” to “Review and Discuss” identifies the need for a more interactive and reflective approach. We’re also identifying that assessment is not just about testing but also about discussing and reflecting on what has been learned, which provides deeper insights and feedback.
Lessons include materials across five phases: Engage, Explore, Apply, Extend and Share, and Review and Discuss. Across each phase, students engage in different activities that help them explore new concepts and skills, apply their learning to new situations or contexts, extend their learning to more complex or challenging problems, and review and discuss their learning outcomes and process. By encouraging students to think and reflect on what they do, the model helps them connect new knowledge to their prior knowledge.
Engage
The teacher introduces a problem, question, or challenge that sparks students’ interest and curiosity. The teacher also activates students’ prior knowledge and assesses their current understanding of the topic.
Explore
The students investigate the problem, question, or challenge through hands-on activities, experiments, simulations, or games. The students collect data, make observations, and look for patterns. The teacher provides guidance and support, but does not give direct answers or explanations.
Apply
The students explain their findings and reasoning using evidence from their exploration. The teacher facilitates discussions and asks questions that help students clarify and refine their understanding of the concepts and skills. The teacher also introduces new vocabulary, definitions, or formalisms that relate to the topic.
Extend and Share
The students apply their learning to new situations or contexts, or extend their learning to more complex or challenging problems. The teacher encourages students to be creative, innovative, and collaborative. The teacher also provides feedback and scaffolding to help students overcome difficulties or misconceptions.
Review and Discuss
The students reflect on their learning process and outcomes, and evaluate their own progress and performance. The teacher assesses students’ learning using various methods, such as quizzes, tests, projects, portfolios, or presentations. The teacher also reviews the main concepts and skills that were covered in the lesson, and connects them to other topics or disciplines.
Champagne, A. (1987). The psychological basis for a model of science instruction. Commissioned paper for IBM-supported design project. Colorado Springs, CO: Biological Sciences Curriculum Study. ↩︎