Definition:
Discovery is a kind of independent learning. The knowledge acquisition is done without getting any assistance from a teacher. It is a type of self-exploration to reach a positive result. Discovery Learning is an inquiry-based learning method,so it belongs to active learning. Discovery learning is a type of learning where learners construct their own knowledge by experimenting. With thousands of standards-aligned resources, Discovery Education provides you with the tools to teach your students to
think critically about the content they use, see, and experience in
their daily lives and to ask questions about the world around them.
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Similarities:
Discovery-based learning is just one of several 'student centered' instructional methodologies being implemented in classrooms today. Other methods that fall within this style of curriculum design are inquiry-based learning, problem-based learning, research-based learning, and project-based learning to name a few. All of them encourage critical thinking and independent learning. All of them encourage self-exploration. All of them support practical learning. Here, the student can, with self confidence, say ," I think that...,I don't think that..., I agree with you that ..., I disagree with you that....".
Critical thinking:
Here, several question that are exploded inside the learner himself " What, How, How come, Why, where, etc..." . We call that activity a dialoguing with one's self which is followed by a dialoguing with others till he reaches his findings. How great that curriculum is !!!
A stage of navigation and touring among the several resources follows till the learner reaches the truth, the knowledge or the objective he seeks for by himself and offers his knowledge as a project to be interviewed and evaluated. Here, the role of a learner changes to be like the role of a teacher or a researcher.The role of the teacher here, is just a monitor, supporter, encourager and praiser. He only observes, guides and directs the learner to the right resource. Really, it is an assembly of scientists that faces today's world challenges and serves the humanity as a whole.
Although very subtle differences determine which technical category a particular implementation may belong in, they all provide an 'active learning' environment where students learn by doing.
Applicability:
In discovery learning, the learner uses his own experience and prior knowledge to discover the truths that are to be learned. The learner constructs his own knowledge by experimenting with a domain, and inferring rules from the results of these experiments. In addition to domain information the learner need some support in choosing and interpreting the information to build his knowledge base.
Problem solution:
Discovery teaching is a method of teaching or an education resource that enables the learner to discover the piece of knowledge or know the solution of the problem by himself. This is followed by and evaluation and encouragement by the teacher.
The discovery method is a teaching technique that encourages students to take a more active role in their learning process by answering a series of questions or solving problems .The learner does a self-talk or a self dialoguing. He must ask himself: What, How, How come and Where till he reaches the solution or the new knowledge by himself.
General Steps:
1. Students' interests must be motivated.
2. Material must be organized.
3.The teacher plays the role as a facilitator
The teacher asks his learners some questions .
The answers of these questions will lead the learner to use his ability of discovering the information or the solution by himself.
The Method outline:
A.The teacher gives variable examples.
B. Through a kind of deduction, the learners do a kind of practice.
C. The difficult concepts are explained by the teacher.
Standards of discovery:
There are three levels of guidance in teaching:
1. Pure Discovery :
The teacher gives his learner the problem with little facilitation. Here, the role of the teacher is little.
2. Guided Discovery ;
The learner receives the problem and the teacher advises him how to deal with it. The role of the teacher here, is big.
3. No discovery :
The final answer or rule is presented to the student .
Models of discovery learning:
1-Collaborative discovery learning.
2-Discovery learning with micro worlds.
3-Experiental learning.
4- Guided discovery learning.
5- Incidental learning.
6- Learning by exploring.
7-Case-based learning.
8- Problem-based learning.
9-Inquiry-based learning.
10-Simulation-based learning.
View Other Resources:
1- (Back)
2-Project-based learning.
3-Internet-based learning method.
4-Methods of teaching words spelling.
5-Lexical Approach. Oxford Training Course.
6-Inquiry-based learning / Brainstorming method
7-Teaching diverse and multi-cultured learners in one classroom.