INQUIRY-BASED LEARNING IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING: THE 5E INSTRUCTIONAL MODEL AS A PEDAGOGICAL FRAMEWORK

Abstract

Contemporary English Language Teaching (ELT) increasingly emphasizes learner-centered instruction, communicative competence, and the development of higher-order thinking skills. In response to these priorities, inquiry-based instructional frameworks off er valuable pedagogical alternatives to traditional teacher-centered approaches. This article examines the adaptation of the 5E instructional model – originally developed for STEM education – to the context of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instruction. Grounded in constructivist learning theory, the 5E model structures learning through fi ve phases: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate. The study explores how this model supports student engagement and critical thinking in ELT classrooms. The 5E instructional model provides a theoretically grounded and empirically supported framework for promoting meaningful learning, critical thinking, and sustained student engagement. By structuring instruction around inquiry, collaboration, and refl ection, the model supports deep conceptual understanding while fostering cognitive, social, and emotional competencies essential for lifelong learning. When implemented with pedagogical intentionality and supported by evidence-based practices, the 5E model off ers a powerful approach to contemporary teaching and learning. The structure of the 5E model is particularly well suited to promoting higher levels of engagement, as it integrates inquiry, collaboration, and refl ection throughout the learning cycle. Engaged students not only achieve better academic outcomes but also develop transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, and self-regulation, which contribute to long-term educational and professional success The article argues that the 5E model aligns closely with communicative language teaching principles and provides a coherent framework for promoting meaningful interaction, learner autonomy, and deep language processing