Instruction Learning
Instruction learning is a widely accepted learning strategy that provides various opportunities to understand the content through processing, knowledge construction, developing classroom interest, and positive attitude of the students. Students in a classroom enjoy an assortment of physical and mental abilities; therefore the effective acquisition of knowledge is essential for each classroom. An experienced teacher practices instructional strategies to reduce the difficulty of the content. By using appropriate instructional learning methods teachers can introduce the content. Group discussion, peer discussion, assignments, and incorporate learning give a new insight to the teachers to enrich the weak students. Through the help of various instructional strategies, the teacher can connect the weak students to the content. The learning process is a very important factor in experimental classrooms. Implementation of a step-by-step problem-solving method enables the weak students to attain the desired outcome. Changing the ‘nature’ of the learning material is more effective than reducing the quantity of subjects. Various instructional learning methods, such as discovery learning, experimental learning, and multicultural learning provide positive learning outcomes. James K. Conant says; “To make class discussion work, the students have to believe that they are in a supportive environment” (Conant, 2006, Requirements and costs of using the learning system, para.6).
Reasonable selection of teaching strategies and learning theories helps the teacher to distribute problems and learning activities based on various cognitive levels. Students having strong cognitive support require complex problems and assignments. Reducing the quantity of the content part affects the smooth functioning of student’s academic performance. Therefore, he/she faces disability in the content area. Struggled students face continuous difficulties in specific areas of their learning procedure and the successful implementation of instructional learning methods reduces the poor performance of the weak students.
Discovery Learning
Discovery learning is an innovative learning method based on inquiry-supported instruction. Bruner developed this method based on social constructive theory. Here the learner connects and analyzes his/her past experience and knowledge to find new concepts. The student in a discovery learning classroom involves in effective interaction with his/her surrounding. The online article titled Discovery Learning (Bruner) by Jerome Bruner shares his views about the term discovery learning. Bruner remarks; “Students interact with the world by exploring and manipulating objects, wrestling with questions and controversies, or performing experiments.” (Discovery learning (Bruner), 2008, para.1).
Discovery-based learning and instructional strategies promote a sufficient learning environment for students. Studies have proved that Discovery Learning has considerable advantages. Firstly it encourages the students to participate in classroom procedures and the teacher has the role of a facilitator in the Discovery Learning classroom. Teachers can provide effective motivation techniques to his/her students. Discovery Learning and other experimental learning methods constitute the classroom behaviors such as self-esteem, responsibility, and independence. Through projects and classroom problems students can develop creativity and problem-solving skill. Discovery learning helps both the teacher and the student to construct healthy interaction and that will promote effective scaffolding.
Educators state there are some disadvantages in a Discovery Learning classroom. The making of cognitive surplus affects the learning process of a student seriously in a classroom that follows the principles of Discovery Learning. Sometimes the teacher may fail to calculate the potential of the student. Finally, Discovery Learning discards the chances to perceive specific problems and misconceptions. Even though there are some disadvantages, Discovery Learning helps the students to generate, amalgamate and simplify their knowledge.
References
- Conant, J K. (2006). IDP newsletter archive: 1995: Writing and thinking: A success story in political science: Requirements and costs of using the learning system. PII: University of Oklahoma Program for Instructional Innovation.
- Discovery learning (Bruner). (2008). Learning Theories.com: Knowledge Base and Webliography.