Learning By Discovery:
- Discovery learning is a technique of inquiry-based learning and is considered a constructivist-based approach to education. It is also called problem-based learning, experiential learning
- Discovery learning takes place in problem-solving situations where the learner draws on his own experience and prior knowledge and is a method of instruction through which students interact with their environment by exploring, manipulating objects, or performing experiments
What are students doing during Discovery Learning?Students may be:
- Researching information
- Performing experiments
- Having discussions and debates
- Looking at another viewpoint
- Manipulating objects
- Asking deeper questions
- Discussing ideas of knowledge gained.
Advantages of Discovery Learning :
- Active engagement
- Promotes motivation
- The development of creativity and problem-solving skills
- Have fun
- Promotes ownership of learning
- Students are independent
- Students are taking responsibility for their learning
- Help students learn how to learn.
What would be a common example of Discovery Learning?
The most common form of discovery learning is the SCIENTIFIC MODEL. In this model students must :
1) Identify the problem
2) Generate the hypothesis
3)Test the hypothesis
4)Apply the results of the test to prove or disprove the hypothesis.
Based on this model, students will either prove that their hypothesis was correct or have to learn information about why it was disproven.
