RESEARCH PAPER TEMPLATE

North American University

Education Department
M.Ed. in EDLE & CUIN
EDUC 5312: CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN
Name: Mustafa Sungur

Date:2/24/2016

Instructional Project 3
Directions:
This is a research assignment. Use your textbook, web articles, and NAU library
to conduct research when writing this paper.
Use APA style references and in-text- citations. You need to use at least 3
different resources besides Castronova (2002), and Moore (2015).
Part 1. DISCOVERY LEARNING:
Download and read the following article:

Castronova, J. A. (2002). Discovery learning for the 21st century:

What is it and how does it compare to traditional learning in
effectiveness in the 21st century. Action Research Exchange, 1(1), 112. Retrived from http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?
doi=10.1.1.594.6363&rep=rep1&type=pdf

After reading this article and conducting additional research, answer

to the following questions.

What is discovery learning?

Discovery learning is an inquiry-based learning method. It is one of the active
learning ways for the students since it focuses on hands-on and exploring.
Discovery learning believes that it is best for learners to discover facts and
relationships for themselves (Bruner, 1967).
How does this form of teaching compare to traditional, teacher-centered
instruction?
In traditional instruction or teacher-centered instruction, the teacher gives a
lecture and gives the information about the topic, vocabulary, concepts, and
modeling and students usually listen and take a note from the white board which

means students are the passive-learners. In this instructional style, it is expected

that students will answer questions generated by their teachers (Sungur &
Tekkaya, 2006).
In discovery learning, students learn actively by doing hands-on activities,
exploring, and making problem solving based on their interest. It lets students
understand the concepts deeply and encourage for nature investigate actively.
Discovery and inquiry actively involve students in their own learning (Moore,
2015)
The five major differences between discovery learning and traditional learning
are (Mosca & Howard, 1997):
- Learning is active rather than passive
- Learning is process-based rather than fact-based
- Failure is important
- Feedback is necessary
- Understanding is deeper
What educational theories support the discovery learning model?
Piaget (1973) describes a theory that is known as one of the theories for the
foundation of discovery learning. In his theory, Piaget (1973) states that to
understand is to invent and understanding comes from discovery and that without
understanding production and creativity are lost and the individual is caught in
only repetition.
What is the most important thing you discovered about discovery learning?
The most important thing that I discovered about discovery learning is that this
learning method requires active learning since this is a student-centered
instruction method. Students learn something new while they are exploring and
also develop their problem solving strategies which are important for their mental
skills. I also believe that it is one of the best learning methods for a student to
understand a difficult topic. In this learning technique, they can even remember
for a long time what they have learned.
How can you apply this method to your future classroom?
Im currently teaching Math to middle school and planning to use the discovery
learning method for hands-on activities in my classroom. First, Im going to have
them work in groups and provide them Math manipulatives and tools. Then, Im
going to ask them to discover how to solve some construction response
questions by using manipulatives or tools. They are going to discuss with their
teammates and come up with an idea and share it with me. In that way, they will
have learned while they exploring or doing hands-on activities. This will motivate
them to understand problem solving.

Part 2. ADDITIONAL CHAPTERS

Select one of the following chapters to conduct research: Chapter 2,

3, 5 or 12. Review the chapter and respond to related questions for
that chapter by conducting your own research.

Chapter 5- Using Classroom Technology

1. How does technology enhance the teachers ability to plan instruction?
Use one of the available search engines to explore the web for
technological tools such as lesson planning software, worksheets and
puzzle tools, poster and bulletin board production tools, and time
management tools that will assist you in planning. Share your findings with
your class.
Technology helps teachers in the classroom. It helps the teachers plan a good
instruction for their students, enhance daily lesson and run the classroom with
fun. It makes their job easier on how to teach, makes the classroom enjoyable
and makes enrichment on teachers performance. Technology motivates teachers
to teach better. There is a huge difference in the ability of the teachers who are
using technology and in the ability of the teachers who are not. Because teachers
who are using technology in their classroom are more active and more
dedicated. It also adds more teaching skills to teachers teaching experience and
to their instructional plan.
I want to share this to point out how technological tools assist teachers in their
planning. Miller (2013) wrote this in her article that technology will help us
execute collaborative teaching strategies combined with professional learning
that better prepare and enhance educators' competencies and expertise over the
course of their careers. To shorten our learning curve, we should look to other
kinds of enterprises, such as business and entertainment, that have used
technology to improve outcomes while increasing productivity.
2. Technology offers tools that can help students learn. To what technology
should students have access? Do you have any educational concerns
about the use of these technologies in schools? If so, what are they? If not,
why not?
Technology helps students understand the lessons better and enjoy the class.
It also motivates students on what they are learning. It gets their attention to the
topics. Since everyone is interested in technology in this living world, so are the
students. I believe that students may learn easily with technology. Most of the
technological tools can be used such as Chrome Book, Document Camera,
Smart Board, Mimio Pad, Clickersetc. I dont have any concern about these
tools because students have neither no internet access nor limited internet

access with them. Also, they might be controlled by the teacher while students
are using them. However, some of the technological tools shouldnt be used for
students in the classroom such as cell phone or IPad with Wi-Fi on it. Because
they have internet access and teachers dont have any control on them. Also,
students may get bored by doing the activity with their cell phone and start
texting each other or calling. So these are the distraction for the class while they
are using these tools as technology.

Part 3. REFERENCES:

Cite at least 5 References in APA.

You need to use at least 3 different resources besides Castronova
(2002), and Moore (2015).
You may use http://www.citationmachine.net/apa/cite-a-journal for
citing your sources in APA style.

References:
-Bruner, J.S. (1967). Learning Theories and Models.
-Castronova, J. A. (2002). Discovery learning for the 21st century: What is it and
how does it compare to traditional learning in effectiveness in the 21st century.
Action Research Exchange, 1(1), 1-12.
-Miller, D.D. (2013). 10 Tech Tools To Engage Students.
-Moore, K.D. (2015). Effective Instructional Strategies: From Theory to Practice.
-Mosca, J. & Howard, L. (1997). Grounded learning: Breathing live into business
education. Journal of Education for Business. 73, 90-93.
-Piaget, J. (1973). To understand is to invent. New York: Grossman
-Sungur, S, & Tekkaya, C. (2006). Effects of problem-based learning and
traditional instruction on self-regulated learning. The Journal of Educational
Research. 99, 307-317.