RESEARCH PAPER TEMPLATE

North American University

Education Department
M.Ed. in EDLE & CUIN
EDUC 5312: CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN
Name: Nihat Celik

Date: Feb. 28, 2016

Instructional Project 3
Directions:
This is a research assignment. Use your textbook, web articles, and NAU library to conduct
research when writing this paper.
Use APA style references and in-text- citations. You need to use at least 3 different resources
besides Castronova (2002), and Moore (2015).
Part 1. DISCOVERY LEARNING:
Download and read the following article:

Castronova, J. A. (2002). Discovery learning for the 21st century: What is it and
how does it compare to traditional learning in effectiveness in the 21st century.
Action Research Exchange, 1(1), 1-12. Retrived from
http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?
doi=10.1.1.594.6363&rep=rep1&type=pdf
After reading this article and conducting additional research, answer to the
following questions.

What is discovery learning?

Well, part of the definition has already been stated with the two words themselves, discovery
learning. It is learning done with the help of ones experience, research, and experimentation.
Its pretty much like learning through discovery.
How does this form of teaching compare to traditional, teacher-centered instruction?
Although, there has not been much research done on the comparison of the two; both have
proven to have a few similarities. One being the four main areas of which they focus on;
motivation, retention, achievement, and transference. It is clear to tell that discovery learning
seems to be better when needing the students to memorize lessons they will learn. For it
seems the majority of students remember what they learned from discovery learning methods
that their teachers have assigned unto them.
What educational theories support the discovery learning model?
Three psychologists came up with three different theories that support the discovery learning
model.
And these 3 theories are:
John Deweys theory, found in Democracy and Education, was based off his belief that
education served to make learning possible, and that it was an instinct for children to

naturally feel motivated to learn. His theory happened to be so alike when compared
with discovery learning. For, he described learning as an action where children gain
knowledge due to the interactions made with others in a community, and due to ones
past experiences that had some sort of importance to it concerning what he/she may
happen to be learning.
Jean Piagets Theory, found in To Understand is to Invent, was based off of his belief
that without people understanding production, and without creativity, people would be
lost and stuck in repetition (stuck in repetition meaning people would not move
forward). And its clear that he supported the discovery learning model; Piaget
believed ones understanding comes from discovery. Piagets theory stated how
children did not think the same as adults; they have their own sense of logic.
And, lastly, Lev Vygotskys theory which focused on the cultural and social influences
that he believed that had a big effect on ones cognitive development. His main focus
with this theory was childrens interactions between other people within the stage of
cognitive development. He stated how there is a big difference between what a child
can do when isolated, versus when treated with assistance.

What is the most important thing you discovered about discovery learning?
The most important thing I discovered was how I could get my students to remember
something I teach them for as long as possible. For, students are said to remember discovery
learning assignments over any other assigned work.
How can you apply this method to your future classroom?
I can come up with assignments that require students to research, think of past experiences
they had that would help them in their research, and help them when needed. For, it was
stated that students do better with assistance when learning.
Part 2. ADDITIONAL CHAPTERS
Select one of the following chapters to conduct research: Chapter 2, 3, 5 or 12.
Review the chapter and respond to related questions for that chapter by conducting
your own research.

Chapter 5- Using Classroom Technology

1. How does technology enhance the teachers ability to plan instruction? Use one of the
available search engines to explore the web for technological tools such as lesson planning
software, worksheets and puzzle tools, poster and bulletin board production tools, and time
management tools that will assist you in planning. Share your findings with your class.
A: Technology is a big help for teachers when needing to plan instruction. Tablets, SMART
boards, and of course, the internet can prove to be nothing but positive when helping a
teacher out in planning instruction.
For example, you can create separate groups, but make sure they are all working, as you
send them on an internet scavenger hunt. Or, you can have every student work by
himself/herself, and send them on the internet to do any research that is necessary for such
assignment. Also, there is said to be tools that you can use to help these students in the

process such as, Wallwisher, PowerPoint, SMART boards, or classroom blogs. Blogs can
help you stay in contact with your students, even when away from the classroom.
2. Technology offers tools that can help students learn. To what technology should students
have access? Do you have any educational concerns about the use of these technologies in
schools? If so, what are they? If not, why not?
A: Technology should be accessed by students for education purposes. To what technology
should students have access? Well, depends on the classroom. For example, for certain
assignments or equations in math class, students should be able to access a calculator. But, if
were speaking of English class, what use is a calculator going to be? Therefore, for some
classes, internet should be able to be accessed by students. To be honest, in the majority of
classes students attend; the internet can be very helpful. Students use their smartphone
nowadays to get on the internet, although, there are apps, games, etc. that can cause a
distraction from ones work. With that being said, the phone shouldnt be allowed for a student
to access in a classroom, instead a laptop, or computer would be of much better use. Also, in
certain classes, tablets can be used to obtain books online.

Part 3. REFERENCES:

Cite at least 5 References in APA.

You need to use at least 3 different resources besides Castronova (2002), and
Moore (2015).
You may use http://www.citationmachine.net/apa/cite-a-journal for citing your
sources in APA style.
References:
Bruner, J. (2007). Discovery Learning (Bruner) - Learning Theories. Retrieved
February 27, 2016, from http://www.learning-theories.com/discovery-learningbruner.html
Teaching Methods. (n.d.). Retrieved February 27, 2016, from
http://teach.com/what/teachers-teach/teaching-methods
Coffey, H. (n.d.). Discovery learning. Retrieved February 27, 2016, from
http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/5352
Mcdonald, E. (2008, February 28). Inspiring Teachers. Retrieved February 27, 2016,
from http://inspiringteachers.blogspot.com/2008/02/rather-than-trying-to-teachyour.html
How Technology Can Help Teachers in the Classroom. (n.d.). Retrieved February 27,
2016, from http://www.uscranton.com/resources/teaching-tips/how-technology-canhelp-teachers-in-the-classroom/#.VtPqt1srLIU