Discovery-based learning, as championed by cognitive scientist Jerome Bruner (1915-2016), emphasizes student investigation over direct instruction. Br...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Discovery-based learning, as championed by cognitive scientist Jerome Bruner (1915-2016), emphasizes student investigation over direct instruction. Bruner argued that when learners actively construct knowledge through exploration, they develop deeper understanding than through passive reception of information. Modern science educators frequently apply this principle by designing laboratory experiences where students must formulate their own hypotheses and test them systematically. By presenting scientific problems without providing immediate solutions, these teachers encourage students to ______
Which choice most logically completes the text?
follow detailed protocols provided in laboratory manuals and textbooks.
focus on memorizing scientific facts and formulas from lectures and readings.
construct their own understanding through systematic observation and inquiry.
collaborate exclusively with peers who demonstrate similar skill levels.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Discovery-based learning, as championed by cognitive scientist Jerome Bruner (1915-2016), emphasizes student investigation over direct instruction." |
|
| "Bruner argued that when learners actively construct knowledge through exploration, they develop deeper understanding than through passive reception of information." |
|
| "Modern science educators frequently apply this principle by designing laboratory experiences where students must formulate their own hypotheses and test them systematically." |
|
| "By presenting scientific problems without providing immediate solutions, these teachers encourage students to ______" |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Discovery-based learning emphasizes active student investigation over direct instruction and is effectively applied by modern science educators who encourage students to construct their own understanding.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes Bruner's discovery-based learning theory, explains why active knowledge construction leads to deeper understanding, then shows how modern science educators implement this approach through laboratory experiences.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
This is a fill-in-the-blank question asking us to choose the best logical connector. The answer must create the right relationship between what comes before and after the blank.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The correct completion should reflect the core principle of discovery-based learning
- The right answer must align with Bruner's emphasis on active knowledge construction rather than passive reception
- The answer should match the laboratory approach where students formulate and test their own hypotheses
- The completion must reflect the systematic, investigative approach that characterizes discovery-based learning
follow detailed protocols provided in laboratory manuals and textbooks.
- This suggests following predetermined protocols
- Contradicts the discovery-based approach where students formulate their own hypotheses
focus on memorizing scientific facts and formulas from lectures and readings.
- Memorizing facts represents passive reception of information
- Bruner explicitly argued against this approach
construct their own understanding through systematic observation and inquiry.
- Perfectly aligns with Bruner's theory that students should actively construct knowledge through exploration
- Systematic observation and inquiry matches the approach described in the passage
collaborate exclusively with peers who demonstrate similar skill levels.
- The passage makes no mention of skill level groupings
- This doesn't address the core principle of active knowledge construction