The impact of the 5E instructional method on students' ability to make real-world connections in high school biology

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to implement the 5E instructional method in a high school biology classroom to compare traditional and 5E instructional methods to determine the impact on students' abilities to make real-world connections. Data was collected via unit surveys, post semi-structured interviews, and Likert questionnaires before and after each unit. The 5E instructional treatment had an observed effect on students' confidence in making connections but there was not a significant difference between the control and treatment group post-test scores in either unit. There was a slightly higher number of real-world connections made by students in the treatment group suggesting the 5E instructional method could be an effective strategy for improving students' abilities to make real-world connections. However, it was a small difference which implies the need for further research on the impact of the 5E instructional method.