Discovery Learning and Critical Thinking

Academic Insights

Academic Insights
This study examined how discovery learning helps university students build critical thinking while solving mathematical story problems. Using observations, interviews, and documentation with elementary education students, the researchers found that discovery learning encouraged students to identify problems, evaluate information, and reason toward conclusions instead of depending only on direct explanation. The approach worked because students actively applied concepts, principles, and skills while handling real mathematical tasks. The main message is that critical thinking grows when learners are guided to investigate and solve problems for themselves rather than simply receive ready-made answers.

Apply This Now
Give students structured chances to explore a problem before explaining the full method.

Add This in Your Lesson
Use story-based or real-life math problems that require students to test ideas and justify their thinking.

Avoid This Mistake
Do not turn discovery learning into unguided struggle without support, prompts, or reflection.

Keywords
discovery learning, critical thinking, mathematics problem solving, student reasoning, active learning