Learning cycle approach: a three-phase student-centered science teaching model¶
Design · All designs
Evidence · 4 claims (3 for, 1 mixed) · 1 study (1 causal),q3· 0 of 1 report an effect size · 4 claims rest on one study
Description¶
The learning cycle approach is a student-centered teaching approach based on Piaget's mental development theory and first developed by Karplus, composed of three main sections: exploration, term introduction and concept implementation. In exploration, students collect and record data from observations, measurements and experiments while the teacher takes a passive role; in term introduction students define science concepts in their own words under teacher guidance; in concept implementation students apply the concepts to new situations. The article implements this model in 4th-grade science teaching over 7 weeks and 14 lessons.
Design Implications¶
Context¶
Requirements¶
- Implementation in three steps: exploration, term introduction and concept implementation
- A teacher role of constituting a social and logical education environment cooperatively rather than giving knowledge directly
Constraints¶
- The article states the approach was studied at primary school 4th grade level in science lessons
Target Learners¶
- primary school 4th grade students
Learning Goals¶
- science concept learning
- meaningful and retentive learning
- motivation towards science learning
Claims¶
- Learning Cycle Higher Achievement Posttest [+M]
- Learning Cycle Higher Motivation Posttest [+M]
- Learning Cycle Higher Retention 8 Months [+M]
- Learning Cycle No Attitude Difference [~M]
Related Designs¶
Examples¶
-
Key Sources¶
- Gökhan Uyanık. (2016). Effect of Learning Cycle Approach-based Science Teaching on Academic Achievement, Attitude, Motivation and Retention. Universal Journal of Educational Research 4(5): 1223-1230. https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2016.040536
Page metadata
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
type |
design |
id |
learning-cycle-three-phase-model |
title |
Learning cycle approach: a three-phase student-centered science teaching model |
description |
The learning cycle approach is a student-centered teaching approach based on Piaget's mental development theory and first developed by Karplus, composed of three main sections: exploration, term introduction and conce... |
status |
review |
generated |
by process:settle-candidates on 2026-11-02 |
trust |
unverified — no one has confirmed this page's content |
sources |
1 — gökhan-uyanık-2016 |
Frontmatter is the page's machine-readable record — see the Schema & Guide.