MODERN APPROACHES: DISCOVERIES AND PROCESS

The Discovery Approach, also known as the Discovery Learning Approach, is a pedagogical method
that emphasizes student-centered, hands-on learning through exploration, experimentation, and problem-
solving.

It is rooted in the idea that students learn best when they actively engage with the material and make
their own discoveries. It encourages students to explore concepts, gather information, and constructs their
own understanding rather than relying solely on teacher-directed instruction. (Salandanan, 2000)

Teachers interested in promoting student inquiry often feel a tension between that agenda and the
more traditional agenda of "covering the content." Efforts in education reform devote substantial time to
addressing this tension, primarily through curriculum reform, paring the traditional content and adopting
inquiry-oriented methods. (Hammer, 1997)

Discovery Learning by Bruner denotes a general instructional approach that represents the first broad
development of constructivist learning for school-based learning environments. (Bruner, 1963) derived
discovery learning from contemporary studies in cognitive psychology, and stimulated the development of
more specific instructional methods.

He argued that learners should be encouraged to discover and explore concepts on their own, rather
than simply being presented with information. He believed that this active engagement leads to deeper
understanding and better retention of the material.

In modern approaches to teaching, “discoveries” refer to the process of students actively engaging
with the material and making their own meaningful connections and understandings. This can involve
hands-on learning experiences, experimentation, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

By facilitating discovery-based learning, educators aim to promote deeper understanding, long-term

retention, and the development of critical thinking skills in students. This approach aligns with the idea that
education is not just about transferring information, but also about nurturing a student's ability to think
independently and apply their knowledge in practical contexts.

Discovery learning can be particularly significant in teaching at the tertiary level (college or university) for
several reasons:

1. Promotes Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: At the tertiary level, students are expected to
engage in higher-order thinking skills. Discovery learning encourages students to think critically,
analyze information, and solve complex problems on their own. This aligns well with the academic
rigor of tertiary education.
2. Fosters Independence and Self-Regulated Learning: Tertiary students are generally more
independent learners compared to those in earlier stages of education. Discovery learning empowers
students to take ownership of their learning process, encouraging them to be more self-directed and
proactive in seeking out knowledge.
3. Encourages Deep Understanding: Tertiary education often requires a deeper understanding of
concepts rather than rote memorization. Discovery learning encourages students to explore and
grapple with concepts, leading to a more profound comprehension and retention of the material.
4. Prepares for Research and Inquiry-Based Learning: Many tertiary-level courses, especially in
fields like science, social sciences, and humanities, involve research and inquiry-based learning.
Discovery learning provides a foundation for these skills by teaching students how to independently
investigate, analyze data, and draw conclusions.
 5. Promotes Lifelong Learning Habits: Tertiary education is often seen as a stepping stone to a
lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Discovery learning instills a sense of curiosity and a willingness to
explore, which are qualities that serve students well beyond their formal education.
6. Facilitates Adaptability and Critical Evaluation of Information: In today's rapidly changing
world, the ability to adapt to new information and evaluate its credibility and relevance is crucial.
Discovery learning encourages students to assess information from various sources, fostering a more
adaptable and discerning approach to learning.
7. Prepares for Complex, Real-World Challenges: Many careers and professions require the ability
to tackle complex, multifaceted challenges. Discovery learning helps students develop the skills and
confidence to approach these challenges with creativity, resourcefulness, and a willingness to explore
multiple solutions.
8. Enhances Motivation and Engagement: When students are actively engaged in the learning
process, they are more likely to be motivated and invested in their education. Discovery learning
provides opportunities for students to be curious, explore their interests, and find personal relevance
in their studies.
9. Encourages Innovation and Creativity: Tertiary education often aims to cultivate innovation and
creativity. Discovery learning fosters an environment where students are encouraged to think outside
the box, experiment, and come up with novel solutions to problems.
10. Aligns with Diverse Learning Styles and Backgrounds: Tertiary-level students come from diverse
backgrounds and have varying learning preferences. Discovery learning allows for flexibility in how
students approach and engage with the material, accommodating a range of learning styles.

In the modern method of teaching, "process" refers to the way in which education is delivered and
how students engage with the material. It encompasses the strategies, techniques, and methodologies
employed by educators to facilitate learning.

John Dewey made significant contributions to educational psychology and pedagogy. His ideas had a
profound impact on modern education, particularly in terms of emphasizing the importance of the learning
process.

In John Dewey's educational psychology in learning: He emphasized the importance of learning

through firsthand experiences. He believed that students learn best when they actively engage with the
material and connect it to their own experiences and interests.

John Dewey, an influential American philosopher, psychologist, and educational reformer, made significant
contributions to educational psychology and pedagogy. His ideas had a profound impact on modern
education, particularly in terms of emphasizing the importance of the learning process. Here's how Dewey's
educational psychology related to the "process" in learning and modern approaches to teaching:

Experiential Learning: Dewey believed that learning should be rooted in real-life experiences. He
emphasized that learners should actively engage with their environment and reflects on their experiences.
This idea aligns with modern approaches like experiential learning and hands-on activities, which emphasize
active engagement and practical application of knowledge.

Constructivism: Dewey's educational psychology is closely aligned with constructivist theories of learning.
He argued that learners actively construct their own understanding through experiences and interactions.
This aligns with modern approaches that emphasize student-centered learning, where students take an active
role in constructing knowledge.

Problem-Based Learning: Dewey advocated for problem-solving as a central aspect of education. He

believed that presenting students with meaningful problems to solve would lead to deeper understanding and
critical thinking. This concept is reflected in modern approaches like problem-based learning, which focuses
on students grappling with real-world problems to develop critical thinking skills.

Reflective Thinking: Dewey emphasized the importance of reflection in the learning process. He believed
that learners should not only engage with experiences but also reflect on them to gain deeper insights. This
aligns with modern approaches that value metacognition and reflective thinking as essential components of
learning.

Active Participation: Dewey believed that learning is most effective when it is an active, participatory
process. This contrasts with passive modes of instruction. Modern teaching approaches, such as active
learning and student-centered instruction, draw on this idea by encouraging students to actively engage with
the material rather than being passive recipients of information.

Contextual Learning: Dewey emphasized the importance of learning within meaningful contexts. He
believed that learning should be relevant to the individual's experiences and interests. This idea is reflected
in modern educational practices that seek to make learning more meaningful and applicable to students'
lives.

The process of modern teaching aims to create a dynamic and interactive learning environment that
encourages critical thinking, creativity, and independent inquiry. It also considers the diverse learning styles
and needs of individual students, striving to make education more engaging, relevant, and effective.

Discoveries in the modern approach of teaching are directly related to the "process" of teaching in several
ways:

 Active Learning: Modern teaching methods emphasize active learning, where students are actively
involved in the learning process. They engage in activities, discussions, projects, and problem-
solving exercises, rather than passively receiving information through lectures. This active
engagement is a key aspect of the teaching process.
 Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Both discoveries in modern teaching and the teaching
process emphasize the development of critical thinking skills. They encourage students to analyze
information, make connections, and apply knowledge to solve problems. This is achieved through
methods like inquiry-based learning, problem-based learning, and experiential learning.
 Student-Centered Approaches: Both concepts prioritize the needs and interests of the students. The
teaching process in modern education seeks to adapt to the diverse learning styles and preferences of
individual students. This may involve providing choices, offering personalized learning paths, and
creating opportunities for self-directed learning.

 Technology Integration: The use of technology is an integral part of the modern teaching process.
Discoveries in education often involve leveraging technology to enhance learning experiences. This
can include using interactive digital resources, online collaboration tools, virtual simulations, and
multimedia presentations.
 Application-Oriented Learning: Both concepts emphasize the application of knowledge in real-
world contexts. The teaching process in modern education aims to make learning relevant and
practical. This is achieved through methods like project-based learning, where students work on
authentic projects that require them to apply what they have learned.

The Discovery Approach is a valuable pedagogical method that empowers students to take an active role
in their learning. When implemented thoughtfully, it can lead to deeper understanding, improved problem-
solving skills, and a lifelong love for learning. However, it's important for teachers to balance autonomy
with appropriate guidance to ensure optimal learning outcomes for all students.