Open ended learning forces people to search for different ways of thinking about something. Guided forces people to go to a set explanation. The latter is easy to manipulate. The former develops critical thinking and experimentation, and is more interesting.

When I was younger, I had a piano class in high school. It was pretty regimented and we couldn't really do anything without the teacher telling us to do it first. I hated it. It made me not want to do it. Later on when I went to concerts, it renewed my interest in piano and writing songs and I experimented on my own and learned how to write and play by myself.

There's a big difference between teaching what you need to know to pass a test and teaching how to learn. I'm so glad studies are being done. All that needs to be done now is applying it in every school.