GUIDED DISCOVERY MODEL VS. CONCEPT ATTAINMENT MODEL

Which one is better for the students at our school?

Guided Discovery Model Concept Attainment Model

“The model is effective for promoting students’ involvement and motivation while helping them to acquire a deep understanding of well-defined topics” (Eggens & Kauchak, 2012, p. 128).

“…effective at promoting deep understanding and at the same time be an effective mechanism for promoting critical thinking” (Eggens & Kauchak, 2012, p. 153).

“A teaching model designed to help students of all ages elaborate and reinforce their understanding of concepts and practice critical thinking” (Eggens & Kauchak, 2012, p. 159).

Holy Cross Catholic School

Small, but very diverse student population. The SCRIPTS Program Tuition Costs # of students in each grade level

Which model is better for our school?

The Guided Discovery Model will best benefit our students.

1. Better serves students from diverse backgrounds Eggens & Kauchak explains that this model helps students feel

welcome, connected to their teacher and peers, and competent which increases their motivation (p. 149).

2. Allows for multiple forms of assessment

3. Once learned, “The model is very flexible” (Eggens & Kauchak, 2012, p. 153).

Cons with Concept Attainment Model 1. Time consuming

Lots of instruction to keep ideas flowing & to make sure students are grasping ideas. Eggens & Kauchak (2012) explain, “Because learners are likely to be unfamiliar with

Concept Attainment procedures, using a familiar topic to introduce the strategy can be effective, particularly when using the model with young children” (p. 181). Yet, again……….TIME CONSUMING!

2. Little Discovery Especially, if students do not have adequate background knowledge to interpret their

discovery's accurately.

3. Ineffective If students do not part take in discussion, or come up with their own examples. Also, if

students are not familiar with this type of teaching strategy they become with drawn.

Choose The Guided Discovery Model- It helps keeps children

motivated and engaged as a whole class, small group and/or individual which is something our school needs.

- Promotes critical thinking.- You are able to assess

student understanding by just having a whole class discussion!

ReferencesEggen, P. D. & D. P. Kauchak. (2012). Strategies for Teachers. Teaching Content and Thinking

Skills. Boston, Allyn and Bacon. A Simon & Schuster Company.