The 7 Es of Constructivism, a learning cycle model, are key phases designed to facilitate meaningful learning experiences. These phases are: Elicit, Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Extend, and Evaluate.
These "7 Es" provide a structured framework for educators to implement constructivist learning principles, which emphasize that learners actively construct their own understanding and knowledge of the world through experiencing things and reflecting on those experiences. The learning cycle is designed to promote deeper understanding and retention of information by moving students through different stages of engagement with a topic.
Here is a breakdown of each "E":
| Phase | Description |
|---|---|
| Elicit | Activate prior knowledge. Find out what students already know about the topic to tailor instruction and address misconceptions. |
| Engage | Capture student interest and make connections to their lives. Pose a question, define a problem, or share an anecdote to create a learning context. |
| Explore | Provide students with opportunities to investigate and experience the concepts firsthand. This could involve hands-on activities, experiments, or discussions. |
| Explain | Students articulate their understanding of the concepts. Teachers provide formal explanations, definitions, and models to clarify concepts. |
| Elaborate | Students apply their new knowledge to different contexts and situations, deepening their understanding and refining their skills. |
| Extend | Challenge students to go beyond the basic concepts and make connections to other subjects or real-world applications. |
| Evaluate | Assess student learning throughout the entire cycle. Use formative and summative assessments to gauge understanding and identify areas for improvement. |
