Learning Frameworks
Discovery Learning Theory
Dr. Jerome Bruner
- Discovery Learning is a learning method that encourages students to ask questions and formulate their own tentative answers, and to deduce general principles from practical examples or experiences.
- Discovery Learning is a learning situation in which the principal content of what is to be learned is not given but must be independently discovered by the student.
- Discovery learning can be defined simply as a learning situation in which the principal content of what is to be learned is not given, but must be independently discovered by the learner, making the student an active participant in his learning.
The goal of discovery learning mode requires that the student participates in making many of the decisions about what, how, and when something is to be learned and even plays a major role in making such decisions. Instead of being 'told' the content by the teacher, it is expected that the student will have to explore examples and from them 'discover' the principles or concepts, which are to be learned. Many contend that the discovery learning versus expository debate continues a timeless debate as to how much a teacher should help a student and how much the student should help himself." (Snelbecker, 1974)
There are four components to the Discovery Learning Theory:
1. Curiosity and uncertainty
2. Structure of knowledge
3. Sequencing
4. Motivation
Potential Advantages:
- Supports active engagement of the student in the learning process
- Fosters curiosity
- Enables the development of lifelong learning skills
- Personalizes the learning experience
- Provides high motivation because students have the opportunity to experiment
- Builds on the student's prior knowledge and understanding