Constructivism Blog

How I would use the 5 Es Model in English


1. Engage - use a question, problem, or authentic situation to engage students in learning

One question I would like students to explore is "When, if ever, is censorship and book-banning appropriate."

2. Explore - provide resources for the students to explore the topic.

First, I will place students in small groups ( 3-5 students), and supply a list of familiar books that were banned/censored/challenged. Students will discuss in their groups what they think the differences between Banning, censoring and challenging are. A spokesperson from each group will share these guesses. Then we will clarify (as per step 3). Then students will discuss what they think are the reasons each of these books came under fire, then again share with class, and I will clarify. Then they will have a chance to read about and discuss examples from Utah of challenging/banning/censoring. Then again, share, clarify, etc.

3. Explain - invite the students to explain what they have learned, guiding the discussion and helping to correct misconceptions

Each group can nominate a spokesperson to share the group's conclusions at each phase of the discovery. I will of course be able to ask clarifying and probing questions to push their thinking up the levels of Bloom's taxonomy, as well as help identify and clarify misconceptions or misunderstandings.

4. Elaborate - design an activity in which the students elaborate on the topic by finding connections, creating products, finding solutions, etc.

Then, we will create mock "trials" of censorship committees. 3 or 5 students will make up the decision board, 2-4 will be assigned the role of Pro-banning, and 2-4 will be in the anti-banning group. Each group will have 5 minutes to prepare a position, and present it, and the committee will have 5 minutes to confer and come to a decision to ban or not.

5. Evaluate - invite the students to self-evaluate on their learning and the learning process

Students will fill out an exit slip to explain what they learned, how their ideas or opinions may have changed, how well they participated, what they think was the most important part, and what they may still be confused about.