An Extensive Analysis of the 5E Learning Cycle Model and Its Impact on Student Character Development, Higher-Order Thinking, and Learning Outcomes
Abstract
This study aims to comprehensively review the application and impact of the 5E Learning Cycle model on various aspects of learning in primary and secondary education. This research uses SLR (Systematic Literature Review). twenty research articles published between 2017 and 2025, focusing on improving learning outcomes, science process skills, science literacy, critical and higher-order thinking skills, problem-solving skills, and character development of students. The results of the study show that the 5E Learning Cycle model, which consists of the stages of Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, and Evaluation, able to produce active, constructive, and meaningful learning. The consistent application of this model improves cognitive, affective, and psychomotor learning outcomes, as well as strengthening students' motivation, learning engagement, and scientific attitudes. The integration of the 5E model with various learning strategies such as mind mapping, three-dimensional thinking-based worksheets, the STEM approach, Quizwhizzer, and educational videos and games further use in building conceptual understanding and science literacy. The improvement in learning outcomes and scientific skills obtained ranged from moderate to high, with an average N-Gain score of 0.37–0.69. In addition to improving critical thinking and concept representation skills, the 5E model also contributes to the formation of social character traits such as responsibility and cooperation The 5E Learning Cycle model is a relevant and adaptive constructivist method to tackle 21st-century learning difficulties because it encourages active student participation.
References
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Dewi, N. M. R. S., I Gusti Agung Ayu Wulandari, & I Gede Astawan. (2025). The Effect of the E5 Learning Cycle Model with Snakes and Ladders Game on Students’ Cooperation. Indonesian Values and Character Education Journal, 8(1), 197–209. https://doi.org/10.23887/ivcej.v8i1.91280
Dianningrum, M. C., & Sufian, E. K. M. (2025). Improving Students’ Understanding and Representational Fluency of Kinematics Through Learning Cycle 5E with Multi Representational Approach. Jurnal Pendidikan Sains, 13(1), 20–25. https://doi.org/10.17977/jps.v13i12025p020
Fauziddin, M., Mayasari, D., & Rizki, L. M. (2021). Effective Learning for Early Childhood during Global Pandemic. AL-ISHLAH: Jurnal Pendidikan, 13(1), 515–522. https://doi.org/10.35445/alishlah.v13i1.458
Hayat, N., Luvia Ranggi Nastiti, & Yuliani, H. (2025). Profil Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Siswa Materi Getaran Dengan Model Learning Cycle 5E. Lambda: Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan MIPA Dan Aplikasinya, 5(2), 468–476. https://ejournal.baleliterasi.org/index.php/lambda/article/view/1449
Ibrahim, Almukarramah, Gunawan, Marwan, & Don, Y. (2020). Implementation of problem-based learning to improve students’ critical thinking skills. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1460(1), 48–61. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1460/1/012058
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Muliana, A., Jufri, A. W., & Bahri, S. (2024). The Effect of Learning Cycle 5E Model on the Scientific Literacy of 10th Grade Students. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 10(9), 6662–6668. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v10i9.8415
Murati, R. (2015). The Role of Teacher in the Educational Process. The Online Journal of New Horizons in Education (TOJNED), 5(2), 75–78. www.tojned.net
Nida, S., Mahanal, S., & Pradana, D. (2017). Keefektifan Model Learning Cycle 5E Dipadu Teknik Mind Mapping Untuk Meningkatkan Keterampilan Proses Sains Siswa Smp. PSEJ (Pancasakti Science Education Journal), 2(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.24905/psej.v2i1.653
Nugroho, H. (2018). Pengaruh Model Pembelajaran Learning Cycle 5E Terhadap Hasil Belajar Matematika. HISTOGRAM: Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 2(1), 45–58. https://doi.org/10.31100/histogram.v2i1.112
Nur, S. S., & Noviardila, I. (2021). Kajian Literatur Pengaruh Model Learning Cycle terhadap Hasil Belajar Tematik Terpadu. Journal of Education Research, 2(1), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.37985/jer.v2i1.38
Penelitian, J., Pendidikan, P., Profesionalisme, P., Pendidikan, G., Katolik, A., Bahan, P., Lembar, A., Siswa, K., Supervisi, M., Pengawas, K., Sekolah, D., Binaan, D., Mataram, K., Naben, M., Kantor, P., & Agama, K. (2022). Jurnal Paedagogy. Jurnal Paedagogy, 9(1), 2022. https://e-journal.undikma.ac.id/index.php/pedagogy/index
Purwanto, A. (2022). Socio-critical and problem-oriented approach in environmental issues for students ’ critical thinking. Journal of Technology and Science Education, 12(1), 50–67. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3926/jotse.1341
Quraisyah Basimin, M., Habiddin, H., Joharmawan, R., Yahmin, Y., & Ufiqoh, L. (2025). Pictorial-Based Learning (PcBL) for Promoting Students’ Critical Thinking Skills and Learning Outcomes on Reaction Rate. Revista Virtual de Química, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.21577/1984-6835.20250057
Ramdani, A., Jufri, A. W., Gunawan, Fahrurrozi, M., & Yustiqvar, M. (2021). Analysis of students’ critical thinking skills in terms of gender using science teaching materials based on the 5e learning cycle integrated with local wisdom. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 10(2), 187–199. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v10i2.29956
Rodriguez, S., Allen, K., Harron, J., & Qadri, S. A. (2019). Making and the 5E Learning Cycle. The Science Teacher, 86(5), 48–55. https://doi.org/10.2505/4/tst18_086_05_48
Rosanti, D. F., Diantoro, M., Kusairi, S., & Yulianti, E. (2023). The Influence of The 5E Learning Cycle Strategy with A Link Map on Students’ Mastery of Physics Concepts and Science Process Skills. Jurnal Pendidikan Sains, 11(1), 27–34. https://doi.org/10.17977/jps.v11i12023p027
Salma, I. M., Hariani, S. A., & Pujiastuti, P. (2022). Pengaruh Model Pembelajaran Learning Cycle (5E) Berbasis STEM terhadap Literasi Sains dan Hasil Belajar Siswa Kelas X. DWIJA CENDEKIA: Jurnal Riset Pedagogik, 6(2), 197. https://doi.org/10.20961/jdc.v6i2.61600
Salong, A., & Lasaiba, M. A. (2024). Efektivitas Model Learning Cycle 5E dalam Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar Siswa. SAP (Susunan Artikel Pendidikan), 9(1), 36. https://doi.org/10.30998/sap.v9i1.21994
Sani, M. M. R., Meha, A. M., & Nenotek, S. A. (2020). Penerapan Model Siklus Belajar 5E Untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berpikir Tingkat Tinggi (HOTS) Siswa di SMP Adhyaksa 2 Kupang Tahun Ajaran 2018/2019. Jurnal Sains Dan Edukasi Sains, 3(1), 15–23. https://doi.org/10.24246/juses.v3i1p15-23
Sari, N., & Rahmi, L. (2024). Pengaruh Model Learning Cycle 5E Terhadap Hasil Belajar IPA Pada Materi Bunyi Dan Sifatnya di Kelas V Sekolah Dasar. Cetta: Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan, 7(4), 256–266. https://doi.org/10.37329/cetta.v7i4.3807
Sholikhah, S. A., Habiddin, Utomo, Y., Munzil, & Mudzuna Quraisyah Basimin. (2025). Guided Discovery Learning in Chemical Bonding: An Examination of Students’ Critical Thinking Skills and Character Values. Indonesian Journal of Educational Research and Review, 8(1), 92–101. https://doi.org/10.23887/ijerr.v8i1.83321
Wahyuningsih, R., Budianti, Y., & Aarrahim, A. (2023). Penerapan Model Pembelajaran Learning Cycle 5e Terhadap Hasil Belajar IPA Siswa Sekolah Dasar. Jurnal Elementaria Edukasia, 6(2), 844–857. https://doi.org/10.31949/jee.v6i2.5087
Wulandari, T., Supeno, S., & Diah Wahyuni. (2024). Pengaruh Model Learning Cycle 5E Disertai LKPD Berbasis Diagram Berpikir Multidimensi Terhadap Kemampuan Scientific Reasoning Siswa SMP. Jurnal Sains Dan Edukasi Sains, 7(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.24246/juses.v7i1p1-11
Aprilia, F., Surahman, E., & Sujarwanto, E. (2023). The Effect Of The Practicum-based Learning Cycle 5E Learning Model on Critical Thinking Skills on Mechanical Wave Material. Berkala Ilmiah Pendidikan Fisika, 11(2), 255. https://doi.org/10.20527/bipf.v11i2.16193
Augustine, A., & Pichayapha, Y. (2022). Enhancement of Critical Thinking Skills in Students Using Mobile-Blended Learning With a Collaborative Inquiry-Based Approach. Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences Studies, 22(1), 9–20. https://so02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/hasss
Desyana, N., Sutopo, S., & Mufti, N. (2024). Analysis of Students’ Problem-Solving Skills in Newton’s Law with 5E Learning Cycle. Jurnal Pendidikan Sains, 12(4), 152–159. https://doi.org/10.17977/jps.v12i42024p152
Dewi, N. M. R. S., I Gusti Agung Ayu Wulandari, & I Gede Astawan. (2025). The Effect of the E5 Learning Cycle Model with Snakes and Ladders Game on Students’ Cooperation. Indonesian Values and Character Education Journal, 8(1), 197–209. https://doi.org/10.23887/ivcej.v8i1.91280
Dianningrum, M. C., & Sufian, E. K. M. (2025). Improving Students’ Understanding and Representational Fluency of Kinematics Through Learning Cycle 5E with Multi Representational Approach. Jurnal Pendidikan Sains, 13(1), 20–25. https://doi.org/10.17977/jps.v13i12025p020
Fauziddin, M., Mayasari, D., & Rizki, L. M. (2021). Effective Learning for Early Childhood during Global Pandemic. AL-ISHLAH: Jurnal Pendidikan, 13(1), 515–522. https://doi.org/10.35445/alishlah.v13i1.458
Hayat, N., Luvia Ranggi Nastiti, & Yuliani, H. (2025). Profil Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Siswa Materi Getaran Dengan Model Learning Cycle 5E. Lambda: Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan MIPA Dan Aplikasinya, 5(2), 468–476. https://ejournal.baleliterasi.org/index.php/lambda/article/view/1449
Ibrahim, Almukarramah, Gunawan, Marwan, & Don, Y. (2020). Implementation of problem-based learning to improve students’ critical thinking skills. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1460(1), 48–61. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1460/1/012058
Jaya, I. K. G. P., & Indrayani, L. (2021). Penerapan Model Pembelajaran Learning Cycle 5E dalam Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar Siswa. Ekuitas: Jurnal Pendidikan Ekonomi, 9(1), 34. https://doi.org/10.23887/ekuitas.v9i1.28425
Kawedhar, M. C. S., Mulyani, S., Saputro, S., & Yamtinah, S. (2020). Shadow education in Indonesia: Is it relevant to students’ critical thinking skills in chemistry learning? International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 19(11), 223–241. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.19.11.13
Ketut Risa Intania, I Gede Margunayasa, & Ni Putu Kusuma Widiastuti. (2025). The 5E Learning Cycle Model Assisted by Mind Mapping on the Learning Outcomes of IPAS for Fifth-Grade Students. Mimbar Ilmu, 30(1), 153–160. https://doi.org/10.23887/mi.v30i1.95727
Muliana, A., Jufri, A. W., & Bahri, S. (2024). The Effect of Learning Cycle 5E Model on the Scientific Literacy of 10th Grade Students. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 10(9), 6662–6668. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v10i9.8415
Murati, R. (2015). The Role of Teacher in the Educational Process. The Online Journal of New Horizons in Education (TOJNED), 5(2), 75–78. www.tojned.net
Nida, S., Mahanal, S., & Pradana, D. (2017). Keefektifan Model Learning Cycle 5E Dipadu Teknik Mind Mapping Untuk Meningkatkan Keterampilan Proses Sains Siswa Smp. PSEJ (Pancasakti Science Education Journal), 2(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.24905/psej.v2i1.653
Nugroho, H. (2018). Pengaruh Model Pembelajaran Learning Cycle 5E Terhadap Hasil Belajar Matematika. HISTOGRAM: Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 2(1), 45–58. https://doi.org/10.31100/histogram.v2i1.112
Nur, S. S., & Noviardila, I. (2021). Kajian Literatur Pengaruh Model Learning Cycle terhadap Hasil Belajar Tematik Terpadu. Journal of Education Research, 2(1), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.37985/jer.v2i1.38
Penelitian, J., Pendidikan, P., Profesionalisme, P., Pendidikan, G., Katolik, A., Bahan, P., Lembar, A., Siswa, K., Supervisi, M., Pengawas, K., Sekolah, D., Binaan, D., Mataram, K., Naben, M., Kantor, P., & Agama, K. (2022). Jurnal Paedagogy. Jurnal Paedagogy, 9(1), 2022. https://e-journal.undikma.ac.id/index.php/pedagogy/index
Purwanto, A. (2022). Socio-critical and problem-oriented approach in environmental issues for students ’ critical thinking. Journal of Technology and Science Education, 12(1), 50–67. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3926/jotse.1341
Quraisyah Basimin, M., Habiddin, H., Joharmawan, R., Yahmin, Y., & Ufiqoh, L. (2025). Pictorial-Based Learning (PcBL) for Promoting Students’ Critical Thinking Skills and Learning Outcomes on Reaction Rate. Revista Virtual de Química, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.21577/1984-6835.20250057
Ramdani, A., Jufri, A. W., Gunawan, Fahrurrozi, M., & Yustiqvar, M. (2021). Analysis of students’ critical thinking skills in terms of gender using science teaching materials based on the 5e learning cycle integrated with local wisdom. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 10(2), 187–199. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v10i2.29956
Rodriguez, S., Allen, K., Harron, J., & Qadri, S. A. (2019). Making and the 5E Learning Cycle. The Science Teacher, 86(5), 48–55. https://doi.org/10.2505/4/tst18_086_05_48
Rosanti, D. F., Diantoro, M., Kusairi, S., & Yulianti, E. (2023). The Influence of The 5E Learning Cycle Strategy with A Link Map on Students’ Mastery of Physics Concepts and Science Process Skills. Jurnal Pendidikan Sains, 11(1), 27–34. https://doi.org/10.17977/jps.v11i12023p027
Salma, I. M., Hariani, S. A., & Pujiastuti, P. (2022). Pengaruh Model Pembelajaran Learning Cycle (5E) Berbasis STEM terhadap Literasi Sains dan Hasil Belajar Siswa Kelas X. DWIJA CENDEKIA: Jurnal Riset Pedagogik, 6(2), 197. https://doi.org/10.20961/jdc.v6i2.61600
Salong, A., & Lasaiba, M. A. (2024). Efektivitas Model Learning Cycle 5E dalam Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar Siswa. SAP (Susunan Artikel Pendidikan), 9(1), 36. https://doi.org/10.30998/sap.v9i1.21994
Sani, M. M. R., Meha, A. M., & Nenotek, S. A. (2020). Penerapan Model Siklus Belajar 5E Untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berpikir Tingkat Tinggi (HOTS) Siswa di SMP Adhyaksa 2 Kupang Tahun Ajaran 2018/2019. Jurnal Sains Dan Edukasi Sains, 3(1), 15–23. https://doi.org/10.24246/juses.v3i1p15-23
Sari, N., & Rahmi, L. (2024). Pengaruh Model Learning Cycle 5E Terhadap Hasil Belajar IPA Pada Materi Bunyi Dan Sifatnya di Kelas V Sekolah Dasar. Cetta: Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan, 7(4), 256–266. https://doi.org/10.37329/cetta.v7i4.3807
Sholikhah, S. A., Habiddin, Utomo, Y., Munzil, & Mudzuna Quraisyah Basimin. (2025). Guided Discovery Learning in Chemical Bonding: An Examination of Students’ Critical Thinking Skills and Character Values. Indonesian Journal of Educational Research and Review, 8(1), 92–101. https://doi.org/10.23887/ijerr.v8i1.83321
Wahyuningsih, R., Budianti, Y., & Aarrahim, A. (2023). Penerapan Model Pembelajaran Learning Cycle 5e Terhadap Hasil Belajar IPA Siswa Sekolah Dasar. Jurnal Elementaria Edukasia, 6(2), 844–857. https://doi.org/10.31949/jee.v6i2.5087
Wulandari, T., Supeno, S., & Diah Wahyuni. (2024). Pengaruh Model Learning Cycle 5E Disertai LKPD Berbasis Diagram Berpikir Multidimensi Terhadap Kemampuan Scientific Reasoning Siswa SMP. Jurnal Sains Dan Edukasi Sains, 7(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.24246/juses.v7i1p1-11
Authors
Pattiasina, E. B., Tuaputty, H., Leiwakabessy, F., Smith, A., & Kubangun, M. T. (2026). An Extensive Analysis of the 5E Learning Cycle Model and Its Impact on Student Character Development, Higher-Order Thinking, and Learning Outcomes. At- Ta’lim : Jurnal Pendidikan, 12(2), 168–181. https://doi.org/10.55210/attalim.v12i2.2451
Copyright (c) 2026 Eifan Boyke Pattiasina, Hasan Tuaputty, Fredy Leiwakabessy, Alwi Smith, Muhammad Tarmizi Kubangun
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.