Guided Discovery
Each of the previous methodologies discussed within this
paper do not engage students within operations and class
functioning. Within these approaches students are ‘not
required or induced; neither do they develop spontaneously’.
In contrast, allowing individuals to discover the solutions
to their own problems allows them to develop the skills and
abilities needed to enquire, compare, invent, discover, reflect
and draw subsequent conclusions regarding a variety of issues
pertinent to that particular individual within that particular
environment.
The intention of the guided discovery method is for
teachers to formulate the underlying structure and content of
their lessons in a manner that forces students to discover the
answers to a range of problems for themselves. Within this
particular methodology it is the role of the teacher to guide
and facilitate student learning in order to allow student
discovery as well as promote ongoing experimentation and
participation.
Advantages
- It increases student critical awareness.
- Empowering students to discover their own answers allows them to control their learning, and therefore they will be more likely to retain information.
- Good for game play and tactical aspects of sports.
- The structure of drills force students to use teamwork and therefore fosters the others as part of the team”.
Disadvantages
- Students have little input into the planning and development of their lesson and therefore only the requirements of the teacher and the curriculum are addressed.
- Students can become dependent on guidance and direction to find answers.
