Discovery Learning Meets Gamified Quizzing: Teaching the Law of Light Reflection in Optometry Education

Abstract

This research intends to describe the application of the Discovery Learning model, with the help of the Quizizz interactive quiz tool, as a medium for formative assessment in one class session on the Law of Light Reflection. The research adopted a descriptive case study design where a class of second-semester students in a D3 Optometry program, taking a Physics of Optics course, is studied. Data were gathered using structured observation throughout six Discovery Learning syntax stages, portfolio assessment, and real-time cognitive assessment of each learner through Quizizz. The result of the research indicates that Discovery Learning was a catalyst for encouraging the engagement of students in an active learning process through the simple inquiry and group discussions comparing regular reflection in a flat mirror with diffuse reflection on a wall. The formative assessment conducted through Quizizz reveals the relatively high level of conceptual knowledge among the learners, which included the competence of working out the geometric-mathematical problem on reflection angles. However, the common misconception (confusing the angle of the mirror surface with the angle of incidence) was detected and corrected in real-time formative assessment. Since this is a case study of one class session without a comparison class and the number of enrolled learners, the results have no generalization value but have a high practical value of preparing optometrists to deal with the geometry of instruments like retinoscope, ophthalmoscope, and trial lenses.