Methods
of Teaching Physical Science
Prepared by
SABARISH-P
M.Sc., M.Ed., JRF & NET
Lecturer in Physical Science, Arafa Institute for Teacher Education
Attur, Thrissur.
Methods
of Instruction
Lecture cum Demonstration method
Ø Combines the merits of lecture as well as
demonstration method
Ø Teacher performs or demonstrates the experiment in the
class with active participation of the students
Ø Students see the actual apparatus, equipments
,specimen etc
Ø Since students observe the demonstration critically
their powers of observation and reasoning are also improved
Merits
Ø Multi sensory approach is followed in this method
Ø It is economical when compared to individual lab work
Ø The important maxims of teaching are followed in this
method
Demerits
Ø All pupils do not have the scope for lg by doing
Ø The desirable practical skills are not developed
Heuristic Method
·
The word “Heuristic”
is derived from the Greek word “Heurisco” which means
“ to find out of”.
·
This method
was advocated by Prof.Henry Edward
Armstrong , imperial college ,London
·
Students are
placed as for as possible in the attitude of a discoverer
Principles of heuristic Method
ü Principle of freedom
ü Principle of experience
ü Principle of learning by doing
ü Principle of purpose fullness
ü Principle of logical thinking
ü Principle of individual work
Procedure
Ø Laboratory work is essential for every pupils
Ø A sheet of instructions concerning the problem is
given to every pupil and he is effected to take observations or conduct
experiments in accordance with instructions
Ø He records his
observations
Ø From the observations he has to draw his own
conclusions.
Role of Teacher
v Teacher should be a treasure house of knowledge to
give references
to
the pupils
v Teacher should possess curiosity and spirit of
scientific investigation
v Teacher should
be a guide ,working partner and friend of pupils
v Teacher should provide an atmosphere of freedom in the
classroom
v Teacher should device and plan problems according to
the age, ability and interest of the pupils.
Merits
Ø Students get first hand experience by performing
experiment themselves.
Ø Power of observation, reasoning and drawing inferences
are developed
Ø Pupil becomes self –Dependent ,Self –Reliant and self
–confident
Ø Facts learnt are retained for a much longer time
Ø Individual differences can be chattered to
Ø Relationship between teacher and taught becomes more
intimate.
Demerits
Ø Slow and tedious process and hence a prescribed course
cannot be covered with in a specific period
Ø It is impossible for every child to discover all laws
of science
Ø Gifted teachers are not available
Ø As no text book is written on heuristic lines the
teacher has to work hard to arrange problems for learners
Ø It is not an economical method.
