Different Approaches and Methods

Approaches and Methods in EducationA thousand teachers, a thousand methods.-Chinese Proverb

Introduction

Different approaches differ in the level of teacher and student participation. We start describing these approaches from that approach with the highest to the lowest level of teacher direction or from the lowest to the highest level of student participation. On the basis of student and teacher involvement, these methods are categorized as direct/expository approach or guided/exploratory approach.

Basic ConceptsApproach

It is a set of principles, beliefs, or ideas about the nature of learning which is translated into the classroom.

Method It is a systematic way of doing something. It implies an orderly logical arrangement of steps. It is more procedural.

Two Types of Teaching ApproachesDirect ApproachIndirect/ Guided ApproachExpository MethodDeductiveDirectiveExploratory MethodInductiveExploratoryInquiryProblem Solving

Demonstrative

When to use :

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Direct/Expository Instruction Approach

Direct instruction is a way of teaching which is aimed at helping students acquire some basic skills and procedural knowledge.It is straight forward and is done in a step-by-step manner. The emphasis is on how to execute the steps of the entire procedure.This may involve a simple or a complex skill such as solving a problem by using mathematical equations.

Attention is focused on every detail of the procedure.

It includes presentation and recitation, as well as teacher-student interactions. Content mastery and over learning of fundamental facts.Teachers need to arouse of heighten the interest of the students.

Performance-based subjects such as Science, Mathematics, Music and Physical Education are taught by this technique.Strategies use in Direct Instruction:Lecture and Student RecitationDeductionExpository/didactic methodDemonstration method

To employ this methodology, follow these steps:

-Provide the rationale

-Demonstrate the skill

-Provide guided practice

-Check for understanding and provide feedback

-Provide extended practice and transfer

Characteristic of a Direct Instruction:

Teacher-directed and teacher dominatedTeaching of skill. The students gain how rather than what (procedural knowledge). Each step must be masteredStep by step procedure with no step missedLesson objectives easily observed behaviours that can be measured accurately. The level of performance can be assess from the number of steps performed correctlyForm of learning through imitation ( behavioral modeling)

Sample Lessons with Step-By-Step TasksExecuting steps of a folkdanceSteps in preparing a mealWriting a letterSolving Math problems

Examples:

Deductive Method

Teacher-dominated approachIt begins with the abstract rule, generalization, principle and ends with specific examples and concrete detailsCover a wider scope of subject matterLearning is passive process, the learners do not take part in the generation of conclusion or generalizationDrill or exercises come after the explanation of the rule or principle

Example: GeographyThe teacher begins her lesson with a generalization that geographical location influences peoples way of life. She will present a map of the Philippines. Then study the map with them. Those who live in wide plains like Central Plain of Luzon, Cagayan Valley have rice as main product and farming as main occupation. Those who live near the sea are fishermen. Their main product is fish.

Example: ScienceTeacher define: All animals with backbone are classified as vertebrates.

Teacher give examples: dog is vertebrate because it possesses backbone. Fish, frog and cow are vertebrates, they possess backbone

Example: MathTeacher Explain the rule first: To add similar fractions just add the numerators then copy the denominator.Then teacher begin will gives examples.After which she will give written exercises for her pupils.

Advantages of Deductive Method:Wider scope of subject matter because the instruction is direct by stating at once the rule or the principle at the beginning of the class.

Teacher do not have to worry on what questions to ask for learners to generalization or conclusion.

Disadvantages of Deductive MethodPassive learning. Less involvement on part of the learnersThe learners do not take part in the generation of conclusion or generalization.Learners involvement will be drill or exercises that come after the explanation of the rule or principleLesson appears uninteresting at first. Teacher begin the lesson with the abstract with what the learners do not know

Inductive Method

It begins with specific details, concrete data and examples and ends with an abstract Learners are more engaged in the teaching-learning processLearning becomes more interesting at the outset because we begin with the experiences of our students. Begin with what they know.It helps the development of our learners higher order thinking skills. To see patterns and analyze the same in order to arrive at generalizations requires analytical thinking.

Inductive Method

It requires more time and so less subject matter will be coveredNeed much time to lead students to formulate generalizationsTeachers got to ask the right questions, organize answers and comments to pave the way to the derivation of generalizations or principles

Advantages of Inductive MethodsThe learners are more engaged in teaching-learning process. The learners formulate the generalization or rule.Learning becomes more interesting at the outset because teachers begin with the experiences of the students. Teachers begin with what they know.It helps the development of the learners higher order thinking skills. To see patterns and analyze the same in order to arrive at generalizations requires analytical thinking.

Disadvantages of Inductive MethodIt requires more time and so less subject matter will be covered. Teacher needs much time to lead students to the formulation of generalizations.It demands expert facilitating skills on part of the teacher. Teacher got to ask the right questions, organize answers and comments to pave the way to the derivation of generalizations/principles.

Deductive Method Inductive Method 1. It does not give any new knowledge.1. It gives new knowledge

2. It is a method of verification.2. It is a method of discovery.3. It is the method of instruction.3. It is a method of teaching.4. Child gets ready made information and makes use of it.4.Child acquires first hand knowledge and information by actual observation.5. It is quick process.5. It is a slow process.6. It encourages dependence on other sources.6. It trains the mind and gives self confidence and initiative.7. There is less scope of activity in it.7. It is full of activity.

8. It is a downward process of thought and leads to useful results.8. It is an upward process of thought and leads to principles.

Lets Review our Understanding:Between the deductive and the induction method, - which method is more teacher-directed?- which one engages more the learners in conceptual understanding? - which demands more teachers skillful questioning?

Between the deductive and the induction method,

- which tend to depth retention of learning? - which learning method is more predictable? - which engage to learn faster for large number of facts and concrete concepts?Lets Review our Understanding:

Demonstration MethodDemonstration is a learning activity which is performed by a student, a group of 3 to 4 members or a teacher while the rest become observers. Teacher-dominatedTeachers show how to operate, manipulate an equipment while the class observes

Demonstration Method

Teacher should be knowledgeable in preparing the apparatus needed according to the steps to be followed.The rest of the class becomes focused on the activity and concentration on the subject is assured.

Advantages of Demonstration Method

It follows a systematic procedure, students will be able to learn from a well-tried procedure since the demonstrators are selected and adjudged to be skilledThe use of expensive equipment and machines will be maximizedPossible wastage of time, effort and resources will be avoided since the demonstration is supposed to be well-planned in advance

Advantages of Demonstration Method

It will not result to trial-and-error learning as what happens with unplanned learning activitiesFindings are reliable and accurate since the procedures has been tried beforeThe value of confidence is developed among the demonstrators for such hands-on demonstrators for such hands-on demonstrationCuriosity and keen observing ability are instilled among the observers

Lets Review:1. Modeling a. is a direct teaching activity. b. is seldom used by effective teachers. c. allows students to imitate from demonstration or infer from observation the behavior to be learned. d. both a and c.

2. Direct Instruction is more appropriate when a. cooperative learning is not an option. b. the teacher needs to arouse or heighten student interest. c. attempting to achieve content mastery and overlearning of fundamental facts. d. both b and c.

3. This method of teaching presents a general concept by first defining it and then providing examples or illustrations that demonstrate the idea until it achieve the concept mastery. a. Inductive b. Deductive c. Directive d. Demonstrative

4. Mr. Cruz is very careful in his classroom about using his class time efficiently and having active student practice. To do this, Mr. Cruz uses an instructional sequence of review, presenting new content, practice, feedback, and reteaching. He is attempting to achieve the goals ofa. mastery learning b. indirect instruction c. lecturing d. cooperative learning

5. Among the methods/approaches discussed, which teaching method/s is use in Guided/Exploratory Approach?a. Direct Instruction b. Deductive Method c. Inductive Method d. both b & c

INDIRECT/GUIDED / EXPLORATORY APPROACHIndirect instruction method is best used when the learning process is inquiry-based, the result is discovery and the learning context is a problem. This can come as

Inquiry method/discovery methodProblem solving method

INQUIRY METHOD

We will not help children learn if we tell them everything they need to know. Rather, we must provide them the opportunities to explore, inquire and discover new learning. The core of inquiry is a spontaneous and a self-directed exploration.

OUTCOMES OF INQUIRY TEACHINGIts emphasis is on the processes of gathering and processing of informationIts dependence on firsthand experience with objects and phenomena occurring in the environment is certainly in agreement with the most often cited theory of Piaget on intellectual development.The inquiry approach which predominantly allows some degree of freedom develops initiative and divergent thinking.

A deep sense of responsibility is developed when learners are left to manage their own learning, be it in pursuit of answers, mastery of content or simply solving a problem that confronts them instantly.Educators strongly believes that facts and concepts that learners discover by themselves become stored as part of their permanent learning.Experiencing success in inquiry-based/discovery lessons builds up the learners feeling of confidence.Participation in inquiry activities strengthens learners intellectual capabilities.

PROBLEM SOLVING METHODProblem solving is a teaching strategy that employs the scientific method in searching for information. The five basic steps of scientific method or investigatory process are:Sensing and defining the problemFormulating hypothesisTesting the likely hypothesisAnalysis, interpretation and evaluation of evidenceFormulating conclusion

ADVANTAGESThis method is most effective in developing skill in employing the science processes.The scientific method can likewise be used effectively in other non-science objects.The students active involvement resulting in meaningful experiences serves as a strong motivation to follow the scientific procedure in future undertakings.Problem solving develops higher level thinking skills.

A keen sense of responsibility, originality and resourcefulness are developed, which are much needed ingredients for independent study.The students become appreciative and grateful for the achievement of scientists.Critical thinking, open-mindedness and wise judgment are among scientific attitudes and values inculcated through competence in the scientific method.The student learn to accept the opinions and evidence shared by others.

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