Based in Cognitive Theory
Discovery Learning is a constructivist approach to learning founded in the theories of Dewey, Bruner and Piaget.
In 1916, Dewey introduced the concept of “learning by doing” which is built upon the concept of students as active learners. “The learner thinks about all the ingredients necessary and puts them together”. (Merriam, 2007, p.285)
Many supporters of Discovery-based learning will reference Bruner's work around cognitive learning theory. He found that this type of learning could enhance the learning process, however cautioned that it was most successful in situations where prior knowledge existed.
Piaget proposed that self-guided learning which puts the learner at the center of the learning process and they are found to learn in ways that are deeper than traditional instruction-based learning.