Instructional Practices

The 5E model structures instruction through a dynamic, student-centered approach that fosters inquiry, deepens understanding, and promotes the application of knowledge across various contexts. It guides teachers in connecting instructional practices, encouraging active exploration, and supporting evidence-based learning and reflection.

In the 5E Instructional Model, the teacher:

Engage

• Generates interest and curiosity by using a phenomenon

• Raises questions and elicits responses that uncover students’ current knowledge and preconceptions

Explore

• Creates a culture for collaboration with clear expectations

• Provides hands-on learning experiences that allows students to discover and reflect

• Observes and listens to students interact

• Asks thought-provoking questions

Explain

• Leads discussion to connect new learning to prior knowledge

• Encourages students to offer ideas and explanations of concepts in their own words

• Checks for understanding of the main concept of the lesson

• Utilizes anchor charts and interactive word walls to deepen connections within the learning

Elaborate

• Asks students to apply knowledge in new or related situations

• Guides students to consider alternative explanations

• Challenges the students to use data, models with labels, definitions, and explanations as they gain a deeper understanding of the concept

• Encourages interactions with additional resources

Evaluate 

• Observes and assesses students as they apply new knowledge and skills

• Asks open-ended questions

• Allows students to reflect upon their own learning

Source: The BSCS 5E Instructional Model: Creating Teachable Moments p. 57