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Running head: THE 5-E INSTRUCTIONAL MODEL

Jason Burton
EDUC 224
Ivy Tech Community College
February 16, 2015
The 5-E Instructional Model

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Running head: THE 5-E INSTRUCTIONAL MODEL

The 5-E instructional Model is a series of instructional steps designed

to result in students learning science concepts with a good sense of lesson
material understanding. Many science teachers around the world use the 5-E
instructional model to emphasize on certain aspects of a typical science
lesson. The model is characterized by combining five teaching method
phases: engage, explore, explain, elaborate, and evaluate. Each of the five
phases are broken down into detail throughout the model and presented
throughout the lesson in the classroom.
Phase one, known as the engage phase, is used to promote learners
curiosity about conveying material and interest in the topic of study. This
phases allows the teacher to collect and collaborate on their learners prior
knowledge of the lesson topic. This phase also allows teachers to make
connections between previous presented lessons in relevance to the new
lesson being presented. An example of an engaging activity in the classroom
would be an opening video or song along with a critical thinking question to
start class.
The second phase is known as the explore phase. This portion of the 5E model is used to provide learners with common experiences related to the
topic of study. This step allows learners to design and conduct preliminary
investigations and collect data. Learners can use their time to apply their
current concepts and skills, try out possibilities and pose questions about the

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Running head: THE 5-E INSTRUCTIONAL MODEL

lesson material. An example of an in-lesson activity would be a type of hands

on activity for students exploring the lesson topic for themselves.
Phase three is known as the explain phase. This step of the model is
when the teacher focuses the learners attention on important aspects of the
experience in prior phases. This portion allows students to discuss their
findings and developments from the early stages of the lesson. The teacher
can now directly introduce topics to the students. An example of classroom
activities for this section of the model is a power point or lecture over the
lesson material.
The fourth phase is called the elaborate phase. This portion of the 5-E
model enables learners to apply their new leaning through additional
activities and use it to answer new arising questions problems. This phase
challenges and deepens learners knowledge and understanding of the topic.
The final phase of the 5-E instructional model is the evaluate phase.
This final section of the model focuses on encouraging learners to self-assess
their learning. Teachers are then provided with the opportunity to evaluate
student progress toward achieving desired learning outcomes. Teachers can
also conduct common, formal versions of assessment to meet evaluation
purposes.
The 5-E instructional model can be used in any classroom across the
world. The lesson plan allows teachers to implement research-based factors
into their classroom lessons. The 5-E model when used in science

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Running head: THE 5-E INSTRUCTIONAL MODEL

classrooms, can be a great instructional method to incorporate inquiry style

learning methods into everyday classroom lessons. The model provides a
reference of how to convey classroom material through multiple methods
that reach the needs and expectations of all various learning styles.

References
Sickel, A. J. (2015, February). Beliefs, Practical Knowledge, and Context: A
Longitudinal Study of a Beginning Biology Teacher's 5 E Unit. Retrieved
February 16, 2015, from
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