Discovery Learning by

Vanessa Chavez

What is Discovery Learning?                                              

Discovery Learning is an inquiry-based instructional model developed by J.S. Bruner.

According to Bruner, discovery learning is “an approach to learning that allows the child not only to learn the material that is presented in a school setting, but to learn it in such a way that he can use the information in problem solving” (J. S. Bruner, 1971, p. 70).

What learning theory is it related to?

Discovery Learning is a constructivist based approach to learning that encourages students to take an active role in their education.

“This popular theory encourages learners to build on past experiences and knowledge, use their intuition, imagination and creativity, and search for new information to discover facts, correlations and new truths” (Pappas, 2014).

What Does Discovery Learning Look Like?

Discovery Learning in the classroom should include five main components:                 

1. Inquire: Students are given a task, experiment, or problem, and asked to develop a solution based upon not only new information; but also what they already know.

2. Apply: Students (independently or in a group) are allowed to develop answers to the assigned task at their own pace.

3. Create: Students are guided to develop new ideas based on what they are learning and what they already know.

4. Participate: Students must actively participate in the learning process and not simply memorize information.

5. Reflect: Students review what was learned and/or what went wrong.

Related Websites:

Principles Of Learning: https://principlesoflearning.wordpress.com/dissertation/chapter-3-literature-review-2/the-constructive-perspective/discovery-learning-jerome-bruner-1961/

What is Discovery Learning: http://www.teachnology.com/teachers/methods/theories/discovery.html

Discovery Learning:

http://www.learnnc.org/reference/discovery+learning

References:

Bruner, J. S. (1971). The Relevance of Education, New York: Norton.

Discovery Learning (Bruner) at Learning Theories Knowledgebase. (2016, June 11). Retrieved from http://www.learning-theories.com/discovery-learning-bruner.html

Mayer, R. (2004). "Should there be a three-strikes rule against pure discovery learning? The case for guided methods of instruction". American Psychologist 59 (1): 14–19. doi:10.1037/0003-066X.59.1.14. PMID 14736316.

Pappas, Christopher (2014, October 8). Instructional Design Models and Theories: The Discovery Learning Model. Retrieved from https://elearningindustry.com/discovery-learning-model

Images:

Discovery Learning Triangle: https://www.emaze.com/@AOWORCWR/3-Models-of-ID

Discovery Learning Quote by Bruner: http://psychtutor.weebly.com/approaches-to-education.html

Five Components: http://ladys72259.wix.com/shonellamorganict#!discovery-learning/ycrt1