Learning Cycle

What is a Learning Cycle?

A learning cycle is a term given to describe a particular sequence of instructional emphases designed to promote conceptual understanding. The word “cycle” refers to the repetition of the emphases or phases of the instructional pattern each time a new concept is introduced. An idea related to learning cycle is the instructional model. An instructional model is another lens for considering learning. Rather than thinking in terms of what is happening directly in the learner’s mind, an instructional model focuses on the actions taking place in a classroom or a sequence of written curriculum materials to promote a certain set of cognitive activities within the learner’s brain to promote the understanding of a key concept.

History

Although the idea of learning cycles and instructional models is not new, their application and use has increased dramatically since the early 1990s. An historical review of this area shows that learning cycles were part of the discussion...