A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the 5E Instructional Model for Improving STEM Educational Outcomes

• In Event: Meta-Analysis of Engagement Research in Education

Abstract

Drawing heavily on learning cycles and associated research from as early as the 1960s (e.g., Atkin & Karplus, 1962), the Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, Evaluation (5E) instructional model was first introduced in 1990 (Bybee, 1990) and is ubiquitously used in STEM education. The 5E instructional model and related variants have been evaluated repeatedly, yet to date, no comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis has been conducted. This project fills that gap. After an extensive search, reliable screening and coding, and state-of-the-art meta-analysis, we synthesized over 60 studies across three outcome domains. The results revealed a large, statistically significant average effect on science achievement yet with a large amount of treatment heterogeneity. Further planned moderator analyses will investigate sources of this heterogeneity.

Authors

• Joshua R. Polanin, American Institutes for Research
  Presenting Author

• Megan Austin, American Institutes for Research
  Non-Presenting Author

• Joseph Taylor, University of Colorado - Colorado Springs
  Non-Presenting Author

• Rebecca R. Steingut, American Institutes for Research
  Non-Presenting Author

• Ryan Williams, American Institutes for Research
  Non-Presenting Author