1. IPAC-5E Pedagogy

IPAC-5E Pedagogy

Inspiration

Preparation

Application

Celebration

The following outline of the IPAC-5E Project Pedagogy model is presented to allow teachers and students to develop constructivist based teaching programs.

IPAC - INSPIRATION PHASE

Capture Interest and Generate Curiosity

ENGAGE (E1)

Aim: Capture interest and facilitate self-reflection and discussion

The In Class/Online Environment

  1. Poses the question “What do I already know about this?”
  2. Draws out the students' thoughts and understanding
  3. Provides mechanisms to assess and identify alternative conceptions

The Student

  1. Discusses initial ideas in response to a question or activity
  2. Thinks about and articulates what he/she already knows about a topic

IPAC - PREPARATION PHASE

Hands-on, Minds-on Inquiry based approach, building confidence to effectively utilise concepts to explain and resolve relevant and challenging real world situations

EXPLORE (E2)

Aim: Conceptual construction and development

The In Class/Online Environment

  1. Challenges current understanding through a variety of activities
  2. Provides a self-paced environment allowing time for students to puzzle through problems

The Student

  1. Undertakes activities and manages their time
  2. Endeavours to work cooperatively in small peer groups
  3. Records observations and ideas
  4. Explores alternatives and discusses ideas and findings with others

EXPLAIN (E3)

Aim: – Form new connections between a students’ own developing conceptual understanding and the formal scientific vocabulary and view

The In Class/Online Environment

  1. Presents scientific explanations to assist students with conceptual change / development
  2. Provides scientific definitions and terms

The Student

  1. Shares ideas using a logical format and incorporating scientific vocabulary
  2. Engages critically in discussions concerning explanations offered by peers
  3. Reflects on experiences when trying to give explanations
  4. Assimilates new ideas and concepts

IPAC - APPLICATION PHASE

Allow students to demonstrate their new skills and knowledge

ELABORATE (E4)

Aim: Solving applied problems.

The In Class/Online Environment

  1. Assists students with developing student-planned investigations
  2. Assists students in developing solutions to theoretical questions and problems
  3. Encourages students to apply their knowledge and skills in new situations
  4. Provides a supportive and safe environment in which to demonstrate a range of knowledge and skills

The Student

  1. Uses scientific concepts and vocabulary in new situations
  2. Designs and undertakes investigations
  3. Draws reasonable conclusions from evidence after investigating
  4. Plans and solves relevant non-trivial problems
  5. Demonstrates their expertise

IPAC - CELEBRATION OF LEARNING PHASE

An opportunity to reflect upon, share and personally acknowledge the success of their learning experience

EVALUATE (E5)

Aim: An opportunity to self-assess, reflect and share.

The In Class/Online Environment

  1. Allows students the opportunity to identify and present evidence demonstrating they have changed their thinking
  2. Provides students with an environment to assess their own learning
  3. Provides an environment to share and reflect

The Student

  1. Showcases new knowledge and skills
  2. Shares their knowledge and experiences with others
  3. Re-represents understanding using scientific vocabulary/labels in preparation for summative assessment
  4. Reflects upon their learning journey 

IPAC-5E model framework originally developed by P.R. Fletcher, B.McMullen & M.Parkes 2010. Updated 2015