RESEARCH PAPER

North American University

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

Name: Yakup Bulut Date: 03/10/2017

INSTRUCTIONAL PROJECT 3

Part 1. DISCOVERY LEARNING:

What is discovery learning?

Discovery learning is a teaching method that directs students to

learn by analyzing the notions by their-self. Discovery learning is an
approach to learning that can be facilitated by particular teaching
methods and guided learning strategies. (Castronova, J. A. 2002).
In discovery learning method, students are dynamic (active) and
teachers role is a organizer. Teacher prepares the materials and helps
students to figure out solutions for the problems. Discovery learning is
a constructivist approach that recognized by Piaget and contributed
significant concepts by Burner, Papert, Dewey, and other scientists. This
technique aids students to learn cognitively.

How does this form of teaching compare to traditional,

teacher-centered instruction?

The traditional teacher-centered teaching techniques are easier

and faster than constructivist teaching ways. If the teachers have
limited time and material, they prefer to use traditional teacher-
centered strategies. In traditional instruction, the teacher
argues/speaks, while the students carefully listen him/her, it is like a
lecturing and questioning. Teacher-centered instruction does not
provide students to states themselves, ask question, cooperate with
each other and direct their own learning. However, discovery-learning
strategies are more interesting, enjoyable and excited for students.
Since students are involved and active in these methods, students
learn the ideas by their personal skills and make them noteworthy for
their selves. Domin expresses that knowledge cannot be transferred
from one person to another (1999, p. 11). Students can learn and
grasp the resources better when they figure out them by their self and
they can accumulates this information longer. According to Castillo
(2007), who is another scientist, students (learners) and teachers
(educators) share their interest in learning discovery. Students and
teacher cooperate with equally rather than listening to the teacher
particularly.

What educational theories support the discovery-learning

model?

As it is known, constructivism theories by Piaget, Dewey, and

Vygotsky are found the bases of the discovery-learning model and they
have educational concepts that support discovery learning. These
scientists stated that discovery model is a very active learning model
for all educational goals. For instance, Piaget points out that the
children are not an empty vessel they are also an active and
participatory learners. Another theorist, Vygotsky says that impact of
cultural and social influences has an important role for learning and
cognitive development. Lastly, John Dewey states that learning is an
action and interacting with each other, social interaction and our
experiences are very important for learning process.

What is the most important thing you discovered about

discovery learning?

To the best of my belief, discovery learning is practical, useful and

influential instructional method in the education world that aids and
inspires students to seek information and notions for creating new
ideas. The most significant point of this technique is students learn
vital communication and cooperative skills through group work, also
they can learn ask question and complete assignment individually. As
based on these views, discovery-learning method is very useful and
practical strategy to increase of students participation.

How can you apply this method to your future classroom?

In my classes, when I begin applying this discovery learning

method, students are going to explore their potential to learn and they
are going to understand that they have skills inside them. As a foreign
language teacher, I prepare some activities for involving students to
class. For instance, I ask a question to my students about objectives of
the lesson, and then I create my students into small groups and I want
them to discover resources by using internet or textbook. After this
discovery source, I ask them to tell a brief what they have found. Then,
I want students to enlarge the subject and establish connections with
other ideas. In conclusion, I ask groups to make an official presentation
on the topic.
Concisely, I use 5E method, they are engage, explore, explain,
elaborate and evaluate. These are highly useful for applying discover-
learning technique in class.

Part 2. ADDITIONAL CHAPTERS

Chapter 2-Using Classroom Techonolgy

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.
There is no doubt that we live in the age of technology and we
cannot imagine a life without technology. It is also very beneficial for
students to use it in the field of technology education as it is in many
areas. Using technology is very vital for teachers to make their classes
more interactive, productive and influential. As far as I search on the
internet, there are more than a few online material websites for
teachers that make class more useful and more effective.
Bulletin Board/Poster Tools
- https://www.hootboard.com/home
- http://www.reallygoodstuff.com/science-lab-tools-punch-outs-
bulletin-board-set/p/703022/
- http://edu.glogster.com/?ref=com
- http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2014/02/3-excellent-tools-
to-create-interactive.html
- https://padlet.com/
- http://www.creativedisplaysnow.com/articles/creating-interactive-
bulletin-board-displays-with-students/
Time Management Tools
- https://todoist.com/
- https://www.tsheets.com/pages/time-tracking-app-
twopart?utm_source=Capterra_CA&utm_medium=pay-
per-click&utm_campaign=Time_Tracking
- http://lp.connectwise.com/sem/demo/automation/int/psa-
tech-d?source=CW-PdOth-GetApp-PSA-NA-
17Q1&utm_source=getapp&utm_medium=pdoth&loc=na&
 sc_camp=B480BAA74C1348609564D5AF6E3EEC5F
- https://calendar.google.com/calendar/render?
pli=1#main_7
- https://connecteam.com/time-clock/?
utm_source=capterra.com&utm_medium=cpc&utm_camp
aign=time-tracking
- https://evernote.com/

Worksheet and Puzzle Tools

- http://teachgoodstuff.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-creating-
worksheets/
- http://www.discoveryeducation.com/
- https://dschool.stanford.edu/resources/
- http://www.ncagr.gov/SWC/tech/onlinedesigntools.html
- http://www.toolsforeducators.com/
- https://www.superteacherworksheets.com/

Lesson Planning Software

- http://planbookedu.com/
- https://www.mylessonplanner.com/
- http://www.commoncurriculum.com/
- https://www.planboardapp.com/
- https://www.edsurge.com/product-reviews/teacher-
needs/lesson-planning
- http://www.teacherplanet.com/taxonomy/term/123
- https://planbook.com/
- http://www.brighthubeducation.com/teaching-methods-
tips/103054-software-options-for-planning-weekly-
lessons/

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?

Portable technological products, such as the Chromebook and

IPad, nowadays make a great contribution to the knowledge of
students. In my opinion, these products going to be very useful for the
students as long as they are used appropriately for their purpose. IPad
or other technology tools provide better learning environment for
students and increase their learning process. There is no doubt that
technology has many advantages to students in class, according to my
experience, most of students like using technology in the classroom
and it is very easy for them due to have many online educational tools.
Sometimes students can play games or spend time on social media
areas but a teacher can encourage them to focus on class with various
enjoyable tasks. Even though there are also many information in the
internet, not all of them are true. Therefore, teachers should be careful
about that situation and maybe check the online resource related to
topic.

Part 3. REFERENCES:

- Domin, D. S. (1999).A review of laboratory instruction styles.

Journal of Chemical Education. 76, 1-5.
- Castillo, K. S. (2007). Discovery Learning vs Traditional
Instruction in the Secondary Science Classroom; The role of
Guided Inquiry. Retrieved from
http:/www.csun.edu/~ksc63842/Posistion_paper.pdf
- Jensen, A. R. (1973). Educational Differences. Rautledge Library Editions:
Education
- Janssen, F., Westbroek, H.&Driel, J.D.(2014). How to make guided
discovery learning practical for student teachers. Instructional
Science, 42(1), 67-90.
- 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.
- Moore, K. D. (2015). Effective Instructional Strategies.