The 5E learning cycle vs. traditional teaching methods and how they affect student achievement rate, interest, and engagement in a high school physics classroom

Abstract

The main research question I sought to answer was "the 5E learning cycle vs. Traditional teaching methods" and how they affect student achievement rate, interest, and engagement in a high school physics classroom? Students from two eleventh grade classes participated in the study that covered two physics units. Each class learned one unit through 5E learning cycle and one unit through traditional teaching methods. Pre- and post-content tests, surveys, interviews, attitude scales and engagement tally charts were used as data collection instruments. Data were processed using both quantitative and qualitative analysis strategies. The results suggested that Traditional teaching method was more effective to produce higher achievement rate but 5E learning cycle stimulated curiosity ,equipped students with better lab and critical thinking skills ,enhanced interest and improved engagement level .