LECTURE SEVEN: TEACHING METHODS.

7.1 Introduction.

There is no single best method of teaching. A good teacher uses several methods of te
aching in a single lesson . Depending on the teaching / learning situation of a given lesson .
In this unit we discuss several teaching methods , when each
teaching method can be applied and the advantages and disadvantages of each method
.

7.2 Objectives

By the end of this unit you should be able to :

• describe the characteristics of an effective teacher and effective teaching .
• explain the characteristics of different teaching methods .
• discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different teaching methods.
• apply appropriate teaching methods to your classroom teaching situation .

7.3 What are characteristics of effective teaching ?

A lesson can be said to be effective if the following characteristics are satisfied :

• The teacher knows his/her subject matter ( contract) very well.
• Organises the contend well and prefer it in clear language .
• The teacher uses different teaching strategies in a given lesson which appeals
to the learners .

• The teacher is purposeful and committed to his/her work .

• The teacher makes the lesson interesting and enjoyable to the learners .
• Expects the students to concentrate on the subject.
• Effective and clear communicator in setting the subject matter across to the
learners in simple clear language .

• Relates the concepts in everyday life experiences of the learners .

• The teacher is enthusiastic and humorous in his/her teaching .
• Makes concepts and ideas appear simple and reasonable and easy to
understand and to apply.

• The teacher shows respect to the learner , and avoid embarrassing them in
class.

• Encourage pupils to ask questions as the lesson continues .

• Encourages pupils to be creative and express their ideas and view points freely
.
• Is friendly and warm to pupils .

Activity

Spare about 10-15 minutes of your lesson and ask pupils to write down what they
consider to be
a) Excellent teacher in your subject b)
Excellent lesson in your subject.

For more honest views , ask them not to write their names.
There are various approaches and methods available to you in your business of teaching
. It is up to you to choose which methods to employ and when . The choice is dictated
by various factors which include :
• The general objectives of the subject. For example in biology there are
objectives and there is no any one method of teaching that can effectively lead to
achieving of all the ten objectives .

• Whether you will teach in the classroom , laboratory or field course.

• Availability and quantity of apparatus and materials .
• Specific objectives of a given topic .
• The level of the learner .

7.4 Lecture method

The lecture method is a process of delevering verbally a body of knowldge to the learners.
In its strict sence it is characterised by :
• One way communication, from the teacher to the learners.
• The teacher presents ideal and concepts while the learners listen and take
notes .

When a brief lecture method can be useful ,for instance when :

• Introducing a new topic
• Presenting essential material that are not easily accessible to the learners .
• Due to shortage of time, you want to cover alot of material in the little time
available .

• Inculcating interest in the learners .

• Conveying information such as instructions to an experiment .
• Supplementing textbook material .
• Summarizing important points at the end of the topic .
• Explaining concepts such as carbon fixation in photosynthesis.

7.4.1 Suggestions on how to improve on lecture method

• At lesson preparation stage consider the objectives you want to achieve and
the style of presentation that will enable you to achieve them .

• Use many appropriate examples to illustrate the main ideas and concepts.
• Your personality should be good , for example your appearence , manner of
dress and poise are important .
• Use a well-modulated voice and correct pronunciation.
• Facial expression and gestures should be used to give emphasis .
• Talk to your students not to the chalk board .
• Constantly check on learner’s understanding encourage them to interact and
ask questions.

• Adopt the language to the level of students understanding .

• Make use of illustrative devices/teaching aids.
• Development of the lecture should be logical so that concept development is
easily followed by the learners .

7.4.2 Advantages of the lecture method.

The main advantages of the lecture methods are :

• Is suitable for large classes where material resources are inadequate .
• Is inspirational in for example story telling type of lesson .
• The teacher covers a large ground in a limited time .
• It is economic as not as not many teaching material are used .
• Students don’t spend alot of time exploring an finding out .
• There is less effort on the part of the teacher in terms of organising the class.

7.4.3 Disadvantages of the lecture method

The main disadvantages of the lecture method are:

• The learner is not actively engaged in the learning process. Thus they are
passive recipients.

• Does not develop creative and critical thinking among the learners.
• Does not provide the learners with the opportunity to organized their thinking
and verbally communicate to their peers during the lesson.
Activity

How useful do you think lecture method can be in teaching your subject to
secondary school children?
Reflecting on your subject, what other advantages and disadvantages of lecture
method can you think of ?
Would you encourage your colleagues teaching the same subject to use lecture
methods? Give reasons for your answer.

7.5 Experiment / discovery or problem solving methods.

Many educationists advocate discovery approach in their teaching / learning process. This
school of thought advocates thought advocates not the teaching of knowledge itself, but
to teach the learner the skills by which he /she can generate knowledge that can ever be
known, an impossible task . Discovery approach is used in the teaching of principles and
concepts.

The discovery method is also referred to as inquiry or Problem Solving Approach. The
student is presented with a problem and has to go through the problem solving process that
consists of five main steps.

• Identification of the problem

• Formulation of hypothesis ( informed guesses)
• Collection of and analysis of data.
• Drawing conclusions.
• Developing meaningful generalisalisations.

The science subjects of both primary and secondary level and beyond use the
experimental discovery methods where :
• They use empirical data obtained through first hand experiences with real
materials , facts and ideas .
• Use experimentalogy and data collection and analysis.
• Use scientific method in knowledge generation.

In this process your role as a teacher is that of a facilitator while the learner is actively
involved in the learning experiences.

7.5.1 Advantages of experiments / discovery method.

The advantages of discovery methods are that:

• Leads to understanding all opposed to note learning.
• Learners are actively engaged in the teaching / learning process instead of being
passive recipients.

• Pupils find such lessons more interesting and makes pupils more enthusiastic.
• They can apply such knowledge concepts and skills to novel situations much
more easily.

• Enhances research and critical thinking skills in the learner, thus enhancing
scientific culture.
• Learners are exposed to scientific methods of research.

7.5.2 Disadvantages of experiments / discovery methods.

The disadvantages of discovery method are that

• It is time consuming for both the teacher and learner.
• It is costly in terms of materials.
• It requires very careful planning and preparation by the teacher.
• Unless well supervised some learners might not gain from experiments /
discovery method.
Activity
• What argument would you put forward in staff meeting to counter greater
emphasis sceptics use to avoid using experiment / discovery method?
• Improvisation is encouraged to cut down the costs of teaching /learning materials.
To what extend can you improvise in your subject ...

7.6 Field trips / Excursion method.

In this method the learners visit place of educational value such as museum, a harbour,
an airport a dam for learning. For the learners to benefit more from the field trip or
excursion, you as a teacher should carefully plan for it .
7.6.1 Planning for the Field trip.

• Spell out the purpose and objectives of the field trip.

• Notify the school authorities and the authorities of the facility you want the
students to visit.

• Assemble all the materials and equipment needed for the field trip.
• List the main questions to guide the students.
• Organize and book the transport.
• Organize for accommodation if students will be away one night or more.
• Organize for meals.
• Inform the personnel who will accompany the students.
• Inform students on appropriate clothing.
• Take safely measures very seriously and let the students know it .
• Prepare for the follow up activities such as report writing or class representations
or a written test.

Activity

• What are the advantages of field trips.

• What are the main risks associated with field trips .
• What are the disadvantages of field trips

7.7 Project Method.

In the project method the learner is expected to carry out a project to solve a
defined problem or achieve a set goal. They can carry out the project as individuals or
groups. A project can be short taking few weeks or long term taking several weeks to the
whole school term or year.

Let the pupils choose their own projects rather you as teacher assigning the
projects. However, when they have chosen the topic, you should discuss each pupil
or group of pupils their projects with the aim of scaling it to manageable levels , whether the
equipment and materials to carry the project are available , and whether it can be done
within the available time . The project should be to the level of the learners.

For the project method to be effective as a teaching strategy you should;

• Decide the learning outcomes you expect the learners to achieve.

• Ensure that the topic chosen are likely to develop interest in the learners and
will be stimulating to intellectual pursuits as they carry out the project.

• You must approve every project before the pupils go ahead with it.
• Ensure that all equipment’s and materials are available for the completion of
each project.

• Arrange for regular consultations as the project proceeds so that, pupil do not
go a stray in their work.

• Ensure high standard of safety.

• It is advisable to let the learners know what you will be looking for when
marking the projects.

Activity
• Why is it better for the learners to choose their own project topics rather than
you assigning them the topics?
• What are the advantages of the project approach.
• What are the disadvantages of the project approach?
7.8 Discussion Method.

The discussion method can either be small group discussions or whole discussion. The
method has several advantages;

• It promotes exchange of ideas and opinions.

• Promotes critical thinking where ideas are criticized and evaluated by the
learner with supportive evidence for their arguments.
• Promotes democratic principles in class.

To make the discussion method more effective, note the following:

• Its recommended that the smaller the group the better as it allows each member of
the group to participate.
• The learners in each group should sit in a way that they face each other for
effective group discussion.
• The topics for discussion should be interesting and challenging to the learners.
• Each group should have a group leader to control discussion and a recorder to
record points.
• Should respect each other’s point of view and not personalize the differences in
opinion.
• Make the groups of mixed ability.
Activity

• What do you think are the main disadvantages of the discussion method
• If not well handled, the more vocal learners will dominate the discussion.
How can this best be regulated
Why is it advantageous to have mixed ability groups

•
•
7.9 Demonstration Method.

Demonstration method involves the teacher carrying out an activity on behalf of the
learners to teach them a certain skill or show the demonstration method more effective you
should:

• Let the learners know why you are carrying out the demonstration.
• What the learners should look for during the demonstration.
• Ensure the materials and equipment are working before the demonstration
• Every pupil should be in a position to see the demonstration.
• Involve the pupils in the demonstration e.g , in assembling of equipment or making
the observations and readings .

Activity

• State at least three conditions which will compel you to use demonstration method
• What are the Main advantages and disadvantages of the demonstration method

7.10 Summary.
In this lecture we looked at the various method of teaching available to you as a teacher.
There is no one best method for all teaching situations. Research findings show that
learning is more effective if learners are actively involved in the learning process.
During the time of planning for teaching you should give a clear thought on what method
or methods of teaching you are going to employ depending on various factors
such as the topic, the level of the learners, the availability and quantity and contend of
materials, class size etc.

7.11 Definition of key words and concepts.

Strategies. A set of processes combined to achieve an outcome.

Expository strategies. Teacher centred approaches to teaching.
Heuristic strategies. Learner centred approaches to teaching. Diversity.
Variety, different.
Experiential based on experience.

7.12 References
1. Ayot H. O. and Patel M. M. (1987) Instructional methods
(General methods). Nairobi, Kenyatta University.

2. Gagne Robert ed. (1987) Instructional Technology foundations: London,

Lawrence erlbaum associates, Publishers.

3. Hall A. D., Fagen R. E. (1987) Definition of system in B. D. Reuben and J.Y. Kim
(eds) General systems Theory and Human Communication New York, Mayden Book
Company.

4. Miller J.G. (1987) Living Systems, New York: McGraw Hill Book Company