THE 5E MODEL OF INSTRUCTION AND 21ST CENTURY SKILLS

Introduction

The 5E model is an instructional and pedagogical method that promotes a dynamic learning environment for inquiry-based learning. This model comprises five phases: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate and Evaluate. When effectively utilized, the 5E model can contribute to developing 21st-century skills among students. In the following paragraphs, I will try to elaborate on the role of the 5E model of instruction in relation to developing the 21st century skills among students.

Engage Phase

The engage phase encourages students to connect with their prior knowledge and experiences to the new or the ongoing topic. This phase provides opportunities to the students to think critically and creatively when they brainstorm on different aspects of the topic. This phase relates to the 21st century skills development in way that it stimulates students’ curiosity and encourages them to critically think about the subject matter. Similarly, it also provides opportunities to think collectively about the given situation. These skills like creativity, collaboration and critical thinking are essential in today’s global world.

Explore Phase

This phase boosts students to keenly and actively dive deep into the concepts and thoughts, providing them opportunities for problem-solving, hands-on and minds-on experiences and teamwork skills. These skills like teamwork and non-routine problem-solving are vital in the 21st century. By doing these activities and engaging students in such hands-on and minds-on experiences, they develop and get a deeper understanding of concepts and learn how to work in collaboration with their peers.

Explain Phase

During explain phase, students are provided opportunities to articulate their understanding about the topic by asking variety of questions. When they participate in discussions, they enhance their information literateness and afterwards when they explain their learning, they improve their communication skills. Teachers provide details and explanations to students in making connections between what they have understood and what the scientific and theoretical concepts explain. It is important to mention that an effective communication is an important and key skill in fulfilling the demands of 21st century.

Elaborate Phase

In this stage, applying knowledge in a new situation and extending students’ knowledge in variety of contexts is involved. This stage supports adaptability, creativity and critical thinking among students. The ability to utilize knowledge in multiple fields and subjects and think logically about real-world problems is an essential element in the 21st century. Expounding on new concepts helps students develop these vital skills to become learned citizen to fulfill the demands of the 21st century.

Evaluate Phase

In evaluating stage, learners assess their own understanding about any given topic and ask questions to address their queries. Teachers provide them with the opportunities for self-assessment, continuous improvement and reflection. Metacognition abilities such as reflection and self-reflection are crucial for lifelong learning for all students. The evaluate phase encourages students to reflect on their learning process, which in return provides them a self-directed learning opportunity to adapt themselves in a new environment and situations for their effective growth and development.

Conclusion

We can conclude and summarize that the 5E model of instruction provides a framework through which 21st century skills can be developed, fostered and inculcated among the students for their success in this rapidly changing and evolving landscape of the world. Furthermore, these skills help students in inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, effective communication, collaboration and self-assessment (metacognition). At last, the 5E Model of Instruction is an effective approach that not only enhances students' contemporary understanding of scientific concepts but also aligns them with the critical and crucial demands of 21st-century. These 21st-century skills are essential to prepare them for success in a rapidly evolving world.