Learning cycles (Mayes and Fowler’s model)
- Conceptualization: Conceptualization is characterized by the process of interaction between the learners’ pre-existing framework and teacher’s knowledge. There is a negotiation between the learner’s existing understanding of the subject with the new additional piece of information.
- Construction: It refers to the process of building and combining concepts through their use in the performance of meaningful tasks. It is the stage where the learner applies his/her understanding of one or more concepts to perform a task. This could involve laboratory work, writing, preparing presentations etc.
- Dialogue: It refers to the testing of conceptualizations and further development of concepts during conversation with both fellow learners and teachers. Dialogue emerges through collaborative learning. The process of reflection enables learners to analyse ideas that are learned. It includes conversations for clarifications.