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The Learning Cycle, a concept widely addressed in educational literature, is
the basis of classroom research. Briefly stated here:
- Teachers TEACH.
- Students draw on their background knowledge of the subject, try to assimilate what they are learning in class, construct their own understanding and knowledge.
- Teachers assess whether this understanding is correct or not.
- Teachers change the way they deliver the material, change class assignments, or correct misconceptions in order to improve students' understanding.
- Students then modify their learning accordingly.
- teachers assess whether student learning has improved.
For many instructors, Steps 1 and 6 are the only ones that are used and Steps 2, 3, 4, and 5 are never taken. The essence of the Learning Cycle is that it is student centered rather than teacher centered.
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The Learning Cycle demonstrates "closing the loop" in the classroom.
*Figure provided by Jean MacInnis, Associate Professor, Natural and Behavioral Science
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For more on learning and creating a student-centered classroom:
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