Rehorek, S.J. 2004. Inquiry-Based Teaching: An Example of Descriptive Science in Action, The American Biology Teacher, 66, 493-499.
Summary: The learning cycle consists of three phases: exploration, term introduction, and concept application. There is much research that shows active learning in science greatly enhances the conceptualization of how a system works and increases the students' level of retention. Inquiry based teaching allows students to actively participate in the teaching sessions. They are given an opportunity to create and solve their own problems rather than memorizing and applying rote learning concepts. Through inquiry lessons, students experience the relevance of vocabulary and concepts that are to be learned. Cited within this article is the idea of three "P's" of scientific practice, as outlined by Petersen and Jungck in 1988. Problem posing provides experience in posing significant scientific problems to students to explore. These problems must be solvable. Problem solving is the phase in which students solve the problem presented. Through 'persuasion,' students must learn that science must be reported and have to persuade their peers that their conclusion is reasonable.
Reaction: In the article it is stated that the learning cycle is an effective and preferred way to teach and for students to learn. This article also provided a different presentation of the learning cycle through the "three P's." The problem posing phase parallels the exploration part of the learning cycle. The introduction and concept application portion of the learning cycle is represented by the problem solving phase. The persuasion phase is not exclusively stated in the steps of the learning cycle, however stated as a crucial step in the scientific process. This article put a different spin on the learning process by providing an alternative inquiry method analogous to the learning process. I prefer to follow the learning process, however, because the active learning that takes place can be divided distinctly among the steps. This distinction allows it to be easily addressed and followed.