Learning Cycle
Teaching and Learning Methods
The Learning Cycle
The Learning Cycle is based on research on how people learn, and is parallel to the 5e model in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), but better suited to outdoor education. It's not linear - each part can loop back on itself - kind of like fractal geometry. The whole program should follow the learning cycle, each lesson within the program has its own learning cycle, and each activity within the lessons do, too.
Ways we can use the Learning Cycle include always giving an Invitation (something to engage students) then as soon as possible, set them free (within limits) for Exploration; Concept Invention (this is core - journaling, modeling, discussion, sharing); Application (taking what they just learned and applying it in a new way - such as after doing an extended animal adaptation activity, do the same thing with plants, or different types of animals; another example is creating their own dichotomous key, a journaling activity, teaching each other (professor hike, each one teach one, etc); and Reflection - be sure to leave time for reflection! Metacognition makes learning stick! This can be done via journaling activities, discussions, or even an instructor-guided quick review. But remember, our vision is to be student-centered, so if students are leading, they are learning best!
The-Learning-Cycle-Explained.pdfApplying-the-Learning-Cycle-Lens-to-Outdoor-Instruction.pdfQuestions-and-the-Learning-Cycle.pdfGoals-and-Prompts-for-Encouraging-Exploration.pdfMore Teaching and Learning tools...
Teaching the way students learn, using the Learning Cycle
Asking the right QUESTIONS to encourage interest, exploration, concept formation, application, and reflection
Facilitating productive DISCUSSIONS where students can explore their observations and questions, hash out their ideas with peers, and learn to make arguments from evidence
JOURNALING with students for deeper observations, application, and reflection of learning
Using positive MANAGEMENT methods to keep groups engaged
Connecting to/Creating a Sense of Place - with acknowledgment and appreciation for all that this means. Lessons should be directly connected to the local environment and will be more relevant to students in that way
Aligning instruction with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
Integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) with scientific ecological understanding by including and honoring Indigenous perspectives, inviting Native guest speakers, docents, or student volunteers, and a visit to the cultural center if possible