Seven-step learning-by-design cycle with three group-composition phases

Design · All designs
Evidence · no claims cited

Description

BE COOL! structures the lesson series as a seven-step learning-by-design cycle: problem statement, orientation, gathering information, designing, testing and improving, developing a prototype, and reporting. These steps are organized into three phases with different group compositions: a heterogeneous prior-knowledge phase (steps 1–2), a homogeneous expert phase (step 3, containing the five inquiry-cycle phases of orientation, investigation, drawing conclusions, evaluating, and broadening), and a heterogeneous design phase (steps 4–7). The cycle is meant to engage learners in designing a solution for an authentic problem so they achieve understanding of complex systems.

Design Implications

Context

Requirements

• A design challenge formulated at a level such that learners have the need to learn

Constraints

• The inquiry learning is embedded specifically in the third step of the design cycle, in which children work in homogeneous groups

Target Learners

• Primary school children in grades 4 to 6 of mixed ability levels

Learning Goals

• Deep and transferrable knowledge and skills through designing a solution to an authentic problem

Claims

Related Designs

• Be Cool Learning Environment

Examples

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Key Sources

• Tessa H. S. Eysink, Alieke M. van Dijk, Ton de Jong. (2020). BE COOL! a digital learning environment to challenge and socially include gifted learners. Education Tech Research Dev. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-020-09754-9

Page metadata

Field	Value
type	design
id	seven-step-design-cycle-be-cool
title	Seven-step learning-by-design cycle with three group-composition phases
description	BE COOL!
status	review
generated	by process:settle-candidates on 2026-10-29
trust	unverified — no one has confirmed this page's content
sources	1 — tessa-h-s-eysink-2020

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