Topic: The Learning Cycle 1
(
2001 ). Using
the learning cycle to teach biology concepts and reasoning patterns.
Journal of Biological Education,
35(4),
165-169.
Summary: This paper is a general review
by Anton Lawson (ASU) in the Journal of Biological Education from 2001. It
presents a brief explanation of the Learning Cycle including some historical
background, definitions, explanations and examples. The examples are both an
actual exercise to challenge the reader and a couple of reports on research
results from studies analyzing the efficacy of utilizing the Learning Cycle in
classroom environments. In the introduction the author poses a question to the
reader involving selection from 4 possible scenarios for developing a lesson
plan on a specific scientific concept. Each scenario is a differing way to
approach presentation to the class, some of which do, and some that don’t,
incorporate aspect of what is eventually outlined as the “Learning Cycle”. The
reader is then asked to think about the pros and cons of each approach.
Following then is a discussion of the Learning Cycle which is described as
having 3 components: exploration, term introduction and concept application. The
next sections describe why and how to use the Learning Cycle and characterize it
as a “constructive” methodology as opposed to traditional “abstractive”
approaches. A second learning exercise is presented to the reader to outline the
procedure and explain the process of using reasoning to construct a concept. The
methodology is further refined as being an: if…, and…, then…, but…, therefore…
progression which not only introduces new concepts but forces the student to
analyze information in the context of formulating understanding, and
additionally, to exclude unsubstantiated information. This last aspect is of
critical importance to the process because it helps to clarify and or nullify
previously held misconceptions about the subject matter that students may have
brought to the exercise. The author uses an historical example of Charles
Darwin’s construction of his theoretical concept (natural selection) to
illustrate the principles. The closing segments outline the essential elements
of using the Learning Cycle as a mode of instruction; describe 3 types of
learning cycles: descriptive, empirical-abductive, and hypothetical-predictive;
and present results from several studies designed to test the effectiveness of
the procedures. Examples were taken form elementary, secondary and college level
programs. All studies concluded that use of the methodology was significantly
more effective at teaching concepts and at increasing students’ levels of
understanding and retention.
Reaction: An excellent article for
introduction to the Learning Cycle. Short, concise and fun. Great list of
references.