Methods of Teaching Science-Heuristic Method
Prepared by
SABARISH-P
M.Sc., M.Ed.,
JRF & NET
Assistant
professor in Physical Science, Arafa Institute for Teacher Education
Attur, Thrissur.
Science is a practical subject. It cannot be taught by mere talking. It should be based on the principle of
‘learning by doing’. The correct way to
teach must ensure use of and development of senses of touch, sight and
hearing. The methods used in our schools
only make use of sense of hearing or sight. The true spirit of science lies in
original discovery and investigation.
The name of this method is derived
from the Greek Word ‘Heurisco’=I discover/I find Founder is Henry Edward Armstrong, Prof. of Chemistry, Imperial college,
London.
Real spirit of Heuristic method is
placing the student in the position of original investigator.
Herbert
spencer-”Children should be told as little as possible and induced to
discover as much as possible”.
Procedure
* Laboratory work is essential for every
pupil.
* A sheet of instructions concerning the
problem is given to every pupil and he is expected to take observations or conduct experiments in accordance with
instructions.
* He records his observations in his
note-book.
* From these observations he has to draw
his own conclusions or inferences.
Principles underlying Heuristic
Method
1. The Principle of Activity
2. The principle of Logical thinking.
3. The principle of proceeding from the Known
to the unknown.
4. The principle of purposeful experience.
5. The Principle of Self thinking and self
study.
The students individually
or in groups, in the classroom and laboratory or outside in the field, factory,
mines, seashore and other places of scientific interest, experiment, observe
and make notes, draw diagrams and summarize.
Role of the teacher
1. He should be a man of knowledge to give
references.
2. He could possess curiosity, interest
and a spirit of scientific investigation because these are to be developed in
the child.
3. He should be competent in the art of
questioning and should encourage the students to ask questions.
4. He should be a guide, a working partner
and a friend of pupils.
5. He should provide an atmosphere of
freedom in the classroom in order to encourage self development spontaneity and
self expression.
6. He should devise and plan problems
according to the age, ability and interests of the pupils.
7. The teacher is to guide them and when
required and he issues instruction slips.
Merits
1. The method is based on the important principle
of psychology, i.e., ‘learning by doing’. So the students get a chance of having direct
first and experience by performing experiments themselves.
2. Power of observation, reasoning and
drawing inference are developed.
3. Students develop the habit of doing
duties and become research minded.
4. Problem of homework is solved, since
the students carry out all their work in the school.
5. This method prepares the student for
life, imparting training in scientific method.
6. It makes the pupil self-reliant and
self-confident.
7. Teacher gives individual attention
since all students may not be performing the same practical at one time.
8. Each student has to show his
observations to the teacher and has to consult the teacher about his
difficulties. Hence teacher-student
relations get strengthened.
9. After the discovery of a law by his own
effort, the pupil starts taking pride in achievement and happiness which
encourage him towards further experiment.
Demerits
1. It is a very long and tedious process
and hence a prescribed course cannot be covered within a specific period.
2. The experts who have to provide instruction
for each topic are not available.
3. The students are immature and it is
difficult for them to draw conclusions.
4. It is very costly and hence impossible
for such countries as are not economically strong because well equipped
laboratories are required for the purpose.
5. As no text book is written on heuristic
lines the teacher has to work hard to arrange problems for learners.
6. The grading of problems is not an easy
job. It requires sufficient skill and
training.
7. It is impossible for every child to rediscover
all laws of science in his school hours.
