Learning+Model+Comparison

I chose to compare Discover Learning and Problem Based Learning. Discovery learning is an inquiry-based, constructivist learning theory that takes place in problem solving situations where the learner draws on his or her own past experience and existing knowledge to discover facts and relationships and new truths to be learned. Students interact with the world by exploring and manipulating objects, wrestling with questions and controversies, or performing experiments. As a result, students may be more more likely to remember concepts and knowledge discovered on their own (in contrast to a transmissionist model).(Bruner) In contrast, Problem based learning is that challenges students through engagement in a real problem. They are given a targeted task and become the problem solver for this task. They often work in groups to solve this task and are encouraged to solve the problem as they see best fits. Models that are based upon discovery learning model include: guided discovery, problem-based learning, simulation-based learning, case-based learning, incidental learning, among others. Theses models are similar in the aspect that they are both student-centered. They both are centered on a topic or goal. PBL is different from Discovery Learning because it gives students a specific problem and allows them to solve it in any way they would like. Discovery learning gives students a topic and is open ended for students to discover and explore the topic in any way they choose to.

DISCOVERY LEARNING PROBLEM BASED LEARNING
 * Relative “student centeredness” || students use their experiences to discover, for themselves, effective actions, alternatives and solutions to situations and/or problems that occur in “real-life” contexts || students collaboratively solve problems and reflect on their own experiences ||
 * Assessment || work products that allow students to demonstrate their mastery of the learning goals || essays, writing samples, oral presentations, exhibitions, experiments, and/or portfolios ||
 * 21st Century Fluencies || A teacher could incorporate many 21st century fluencies into a discovery learning lesson, depending on the content. Students are searching for information; they may be working collaboratively with a group or on their own. Their assessment most likely would be a creative product of what they have discovered and in this day and age they most likely found their information using many forms of media. || A teacher could incorporate many, if not all, 21st century fluencies into a Problem based learning lesson. Students are searching for a solution to a problem, in doing so they must find information to help them. They may be working collaboratively with a group or on their own. Their assessment could be a creative product to show the answers to their problem. They most likely used some form of media to help them solve their problem ||
 * Ease of Use || Discover learning is easy to use. Because it is student centered, the teacher plays more of a guide to the students, while the student leads the learning. || Problem based learning is very easy to use and since it is students centered, the student governs and guides themselves. ||