Article: 5E Instructional Model

Colette Bennett Published on April 16, 2019 (Source: Bybee, Rodger W., et al. “The BSCS 5 E Instructional Model: Origins and Effectiveness.” A report prepared for the Office of Science Education, National Institutes of Health.)

Fast Facts: 5 E Instructional Model

• The 5 E method is a constructivist model of learning. It includes five stages: engage, explore, explain, extend, and evaluate.
• Each stage of instruction details the ideas, concepts, and skills needed for student inquiry. In addition, there are expected behaviors for teachers and students, as well as opportunities to demonstrate learning through application.
• The strength of the 5 E model is that it provides multiple opportunities for assessment and opportunity for differentiation. https://www.thoughtco.com/5-e-instructional-model-4628150

Planning the 5E Model

Teachers who plan to use the 5 E model should be aware that they should use this design for units of two to three weeks. Each stage should be planned to include one or more lessons.

The co-creator of the 5 E model, Rodger W. Bybee, explained,

“Using the 5Es model as the basis for a single lesson decreases the effectiveness of the individual phases due to shortening the time and opportunities for challenging and restructuring of concepts and abilities—for learning,”

The 5E Model helps students to use inquiry to connect new information with prior knowledge through practice and reflection. The teacher becomes a facilitator or guide who builds inquiry, exploration, and assessment into daily instruction approach.