What technique is often used to guide students in discovery learning?

The Socratic technique is an effective method for guiding students in discovery learning as it encourages critical thinking and dialogue. This approach involves asking thought-provoking questions that challenge students to think deeply and examine their own understanding. By engaging in this form of inquiry, students are prompted to explore concepts, articulate their thoughts, and arrive at conclusions through guided discovery rather than being directly told the answers. This method fosters an environment where students learn to analyze information, develop reasoning skills, and become more actively involved in their learning process, which is essential for discovery learning.

In contrast, direct instruction typically involves a more teacher-centered approach where information is presented explicitly, limiting the opportunities for students to independently discover knowledge. Group projects can promote collaboration and enhance learning but do not inherently focus on individual discovery through inquiry. Spelling tests assess memorization of words rather than facilitating a discovery learning environment. Therefore, the Socratic technique aligns best with the principles of discovery learning by nurturing curiosity and promoting deep cognitive engagement.