The Effects of Discovery Learning On The Cognitive Load
Research has been conducted over years (Mayer, 2001; Paas, Renkl, & Sweller, 1999, 2004; Winn, 2003) to prove the unfavorable effects of Discovery Learning, specifically with beginning learners. "Cognitive load theory suggests that the free exploration of a highly complex environment may generate a heavy working memory load that is detrimental to learning" (Kirschner, Sweller, Clark, 2006). Beginning learners do not have the necessary skills to integrate the new information with information they have learned in the past. Sweller reported that a better alternative to Discovery Learning was Guided Instruction. Guided Instruction produced more immediate recall of facts than unguided approaches along with longer term transfer and problem-solving skills (Kirschner, Sweller, Clark, 2006).
Read more about this topic: Discovery Learning
Famous quotes containing the words effects, discovery, learning, cognitive and/or load:
“If one judges love according to the greatest part of the effects it produces, it would appear to resemble rather hatred than kindness.”
—François, Duc De La Rochefoucauld (16131680)
“As the mother of a son, I do not accept that alienation from me is necessary for his discovery of himself. As a woman, I will not cooperate in demeaning womanly things so that he can be proud to be a man. I like to think the women in my sons future are counting on me.”
—Letty Cottin Pogrebin (20th century)
“Men and boys are learning all kinds of trades but how to make men of themselves. They learn to make houses; but they are not so well housed, they are not so contented in their houses, as the woodchucks in their holes.”
—Henry David Thoreau (18171862)
“Ideas are so much flat psychological surface unless some mirrored matter gives them cognitive lustre. This is why as a pragmatist I have so carefully posited reality ab initio, and why throughout my whole discussion, I remain an epistemologist realist.”
—William James (18421910)
“Rich are the sea-gods:Mwho gives gifts but they?
They grope the sea for pearls, but more than pearls:
They pluck Force thence, and give it to the wise.
Every wave is wealth to Daedalus,
Wealth to the cunning artist who can work
This matchless strength. Where shall he find, O waves!
A load your Atlas shoulders cannot lift?”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (18031882)