The heuristic method of teaching was introduced in some English schools in the nineteenth century, and was a form of inquiry or discovery learning. It was especially associated with the chemist and educational reformer, Henry Armstrong,
"Heuristic methods of teaching are methods which involve our placing students as far as possible in the attitude of the discoverer – methods which involve their finding out, instead of being merely told about things."
Armstrong, H. E. (1898) in H. E. Armstrong and the teaching of science 1880-1930 (Ed.: W H Brock, 1973), Cambridge University Press
The heuristic method was introduced as an alternative to algorithmic use of standard practical activities to demonstrate known outcomes. Although the focus was on student practical activity, the use of enquiry was intended primarily to teach scientific method rather than concepts, and Armstrong was well aware that learners could not rediscover extensive subject matter in this way.
