Presents the procedures, results, and conclusions of a study designed to investigate the effects of (1) guided discovery versus didactic methods of instruction upon the acquisition of certain inquiry skills and factual-conceptual achievement, (2) the interaction of the methods variable with selected learner variables. The sample consisted of 140…

Two instructional methods, reception and discovery, together with a control condition, were compared in terms of their effects on the performances of kindergarten children (n=72) on probability tasks. Evidence for the superiority of discovery learning was not forthcoming. (Author/PN)

Although traditional instructional methods and textbooks mitigate against it, investigation can be a viable alternative strategy in the geometry classroom. Many theorems in geometry, such as Euclidean space, lend themselves easily to student experimentation. (Author/SJL)

Contends that the teaching of mathematics permits expansion of the personality and furthers development of intellecutual independence. (Author/DB)

A student-centered teaching method known as the inquiry model is explored in its relation to physical education. (LH)

Previews research on motivational effects of discovery learning, and argues that, although there is general theoretical support for the view that discovery learning methods are superior to expository teaching methods in terms of generating intrinsic motivation, it is unclear whether intrinsic or extrinsic explanations account better for observed…

The concept of "baby research" signifies a playful investigation that takes place at a child's initiative, carried out with freedom and joy, without specific knowledge of preconceived ideas of where it will lead. A joyous firsthand experience with Cuisenaire rods is described by a teacher who once disliked teaching mathematics.…

Presents three lesson scenarios using inquiry/discovery and lecture/discussion methods and discusses the specific instructional strategies that each employs. The first two scenarios demonstrate how these strategies and their supporting tools and activities are applied in a single content area while the third one shows how inquiry/discovery…

A mathematician who has been teaching for 58 years discusses 3 types of knowledge that are subjects for teaching or learning (what, how, and why) and why teaching must include problem solving or the use of the Socratic, Moore, or discovery method. (MKR)

Discusses a teaching method used by the author in his college sociology classes. Describes a method of active learning in which students are encouraged to discover interrelationships of parts and wholes on their own. Compares this discovery method to the Montessori method used in elementary education. (DK)

Discusses the mathematics education philosophy of J. W. A. Young and how it compares to the principles in the National Council of Teachers of Mathematic's "Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics." Elaborates on Young's views concerning rote learning, establishing connections between mathematics and other disciplines,…

This article discusses using questioning techniques for encouraging purposeful inquiry among gifted students in elementary grades through college levels. A variety of questioning strategies is recommended, focusing primarily on the higher end of Bloom's taxonomy to engage students in higher level thinking. A classroom example is provided.…

This article describes a study into the role of heuristic support in facilitating discovery learning through simulation-based learning. The study compares the use of two such learning environments in the physics domain of collisions. In one learning environment (implicit heuristics) heuristics are only used to provide the learner with guidance…