Why is Discovery Learning Vital for College Success?

BY KRISTIAN KRISYK

Discovery learning has been a buzz term for a while now, and for a good reason. Incorporating discovery learning in your classroom enables your students to ask critical questions, conduct their own research, improve their problem-solving skills, and form their own conclusions.

By stepping away from the traditional learning methods, students are given the possibility to think outside the box. Learning becomes a dynamic and never-ending process of expanding students’ existing knowledge by discovering new information and exploring different objects. This leads to enhanced and profound interaction with the world around them and remembering concepts on their own.

Incorporating Discovery Learning

The great thing about discovery learning is that it can be used in almost any class. As it consists of numerous methods, it can be applied whenever there is a need for it. In fact, an entire subject can be taught through discovery learning. So far, it’s been praised by both sides, professors and students, and with an endless list of benefits, it’s only expected to be more popular in the future.

Luckily, incorporating discovery learning doesn’t require too much work, paperwork or time. It’s a very flexible idea which only has one goal to achieve: create more interactive classrooms. This approach prepared these young people for a job market once they graduate, from acquiring skills which are in high demand today to learning how to write successful, well-structured resume examples.

The result of discovery learning is that students will easier remember concepts and knowledge which they discovered on their own. Several models are actually based upon discovery learning:

 

• guided discovery,
• problem-based learning,
• simulation-based learning,
• case-based learning,
• incidental learning,
• others, …

 

Discovery Learning Methods

As mentioned above, there are really numerous different methods teachers and professors can use in their classrooms. As one of them never excludes the other ones, the best results are usually achieved when these methods are combined allowing students to reveal their new talents and skills, not to mention their most efficient way of learning new things.

Here are some of the commonly used discovery learning methods:

 

• Interviews: Encouraging students to talk to people with greater knowledge on a certain topic can tremendously enhance the learning process.
• Individual research: Giving students one topic they need to explore on their own by using technology, books, and other material that could provide a greater understanding of the given topic.
• Data-based projects: Giving students a topic which should lead to research and gathering information about it. The more the topic is explored, the more will students learn about it along the way.
• Video presentations: When learning about a new topic, students can create video presentations about a certain issue within the topic to practice their creative thinking and learn how to express themselves in various ways.

All these methods mentioned above are based on the five principles of discovery learning. First one is problem-solving where learners are motivated to seek solutions. The second is learner management, where learners are discovering studying methods according to their preferences. The third principle is related to integrating and connecting where learners are encouraged to apply that knowledge in the real world. Fourth is information analysis and interpretation, followed by the fifth principle, which focused on failure and feedback. In other words, these principles follow a specific process which motivates learners to make the most of studying.

Benefits of Incorporating Discovery Learning

Incorporating discovery learning leads to the constant improvement of knowledge and skills. For instance, creating a video presentation on most important inventions of the 17th century can teach you what people around you think about that era, which tools you need to create a good video presentation and, finally, you’ll understand better that part of the history.

With discovery learning, students are learning so much more than just the topic given by their teachers and professors. Compared to the conventional way of learning, this is a more holistic and engaging way of acquiring information because it’s based on understanding, not just learning.

There are numerous benefits students will notice while applying discovery learning. Some of them are:

 

• Increases active engagement
• Promotes motivation to learn and make the most of their knowledge
• Promotes responsibilities, autonomy and independence
• Develops creativity and problem-solving approach
• Tailor learning experiences

BY LINE–Kristian Krisyk had been working in the field of web design for 7 years before becoming an entrepreneur in 2014 in design and marketing. His professional interests and hobbies defined major topics of his articles. These days Kristian runs his business and looks for new development opportunities. Follow him @KristianKrisyk or contact at kristian.krisyk@gmail.com