Wednesday, 11 September 2019

Methods of teaching Computer science.

Lecture-Demonstration Method:
Meaning:  Lecture-cum-demonstration includes the merits of the lecture as well as demonstration method. It attempts to filter out the disadvantages of both. Demonstration means ‘to show’. In Lecture method teacher just tells but in demonstration method teacher shows and illustrates certain fundamental phenomena.
Characteristics of a good lecture-demonstration:
1. It should be purposeful.
2. Proper planning should be made before its exemption.
3. Teacher should be competent and confident.
4. Demonstration table should be significantly large and placed at right position.
5. Proper seating arrangements must be made.
6. Proper ventilation and lighting arrangement must be taken care.
7. Demonstration materials should be in working condition, and in proper size.
8. Demonstration should be supplemented with lecturing and visual aids like map, charts, etc.
9. Time management is taken care of.
10. Teaching must become democratic in nature.
Points to be considered while using lecture-demonstration:
 For successful demonstration following points to be always kept in mind,
1. A demonstration should be planned and rehearsed in advance by the teacher.
2. Teacher should be clear off the purpose of demonstration.
3. Demonstration should be purposeful, clear-cut and convincing.
4. Demonstration should be the result of the active participation of pupils and the teacher.
5. Demonstration should be simple and quick.
6. The demonstration should be visible to the whole class in significant details.
7. A demonstration should show only one idea at a time,in order to avoid confusion.
8. Demonstration should be an interesting to capture the attention of the students.
Steps of Lecture-demonstration method:
The lecture-demonstration is successfully carried out in the following steps as under,
1. Preparation step:  
      When the lecture demonstration is to be taken by a prior preparation and rehearsal is essential. In the preparation the teacher should make a brief written plan.
The plan may include the following-
a) Statement of experiment.
b) Materials/equipments required.
c) Conditions of the materials.
d) Instructions to the students.
e) Questions to be asked.
f) Procedure to be followed for explanation. etc.
2. Execution Step:
      The experiment planned in the preparation step must be exempted as per the plan. While conducting lecture-demonstration in the class room the lecture should be observe the following facts,
a) Voice of the lecture should be audible to the whole class.
b) Adequate speed should be maintained while demonstrating the experiment.
c) Students participation should sought as much as possible.
d) Record all the results systematically. 
e) Ask adequate and thought provoking questions.
3.Evaluation Step:
     In this step, evaluation of the learning outcomes of the process as a result of lecture-demonstration have to be evaluated, this may be done by using any appropriate evaluation techniques such as questioning, writing a report, drill work, group discussion or home assignments.
Characteristics of good demonstration
1.      Visibility
2.      One major idea at a time
3.      Clear cut
4.      Convincing
5.      Rehearsal
6.      Supplemented with other teaching aids
7.      Asking relevant questions
8.      Neat, clean and tidiness
9.      Simple and speedy
10. To write observation
11. Teacher to act as performer
12. Sufficient time.

Steps in Lecture-cum-demonstration
1)     Planning and Presentation:  While planning a demonstration the following points should be kept in mind.

§  Subject matter

§  Lesson planning

§  Rehearsal of experiment

§  Collection and arrangement of apparatus

2)     Introduction of lesson: The lesson may be introduced on the following basis

§  Student’s personal experience

§  Student’s environment

§  Telling story

§  A simple and interesting experiment

3)     Presentation of the subject matter

§  The teacher must study the subject matter on broad basis taking into consideration the interest and experience of students

§  While demonstration is going on, question should also be asked which help the students to understand the principles

§  The teacher should try to illustrate the facts and principles

§  Language used by teacher should be simple and clear.
4) Experimentation
§  Demonstration should be properly spaced and striking, clear and convincing

§  The demonstration table should have only apparatus

§  The experiment should be simple and speedy

§  All the apparatus should not be displayed at once
5) Blackboard work
           A big blackboard behind the demonstration table is necessary in order to summarize the principles and other matters of demonstration and also to draw necessary diagrams and sketches.
Advantages of Lecture-cum-Demonstration Method
  • ­ Economical: This method is economical as it helps in economizing resources
  • ­ Psychological Method: Demonstration method psychological as the students are shown concrete things.
  • ­ This method is especially useful where
      The apparatus is expensive
        The experiment involves some danger
       The apparatus is sensitive to break
       The experiment involves some difficult and complex operation
  • ­ Student participation
  • ­ Save time and effort
  • ­ Helpful to promote useful discussion
  • ­ More efficient method
  • ­ Activity method
  • ­ Useful for all types of students
  • ­ Helpful for teacher
Disadvantages of Lecture-cum-demonstration Method
  • ­ Ignore maxim of education: The maxim of education, ‘Learning by Doing’ and the principles of psychology of learning has no place in this method.
  • ­ Visibility: Visibility is main problem for a teacher because all the students may not be able to see the details and results of a demonstration
  • ­ Speed of experiment: Either too fast or too slow speed of demonstration sometimes  may create trouble
  • ­ Ignore individual difference: This method totally ignores the main principle of psychology.
  • ­ Hinder progress: This method somehow hinder the development of laboratory skills among the students
  • ­ Not useful for developing scientific attitude.
INDUCTIVE METHOD
     Inductive method is advocated by Pestalozzi and Francis Bacon. Inductive method is based on induction. Induction is the process of proving a universal truth or a theorem by showing that if it is true of any particular case, it is true of the next case in the same serial order and hence true for any such cases. Thus it is a method of arriving at a formula or a rule by observing a sufficient number of particular instances. If one rule applies to a particular case and is equally applicable to different similar cases, it is accepted as a general rule or formula. Therefore, inductive method proceeds from,
i)                    Particular cases to general rules or formulae.
ii)                   Concrete instance to abstract rules.
iii)                 Known to unknown.
iv)                 Simple to complex.
        This method has been found to be very suitable for the teaching of mathematics because many mathematical formulae and generalizations are the results of induction.

Steps in Inductive Method
1.       Selection of a number of cases.
2.       Observation of the case under given conditions.
3.       Investigation and analysis.
4.       Finding common relations.
5.       Arriving at generalization.
6.       Verification or application.
Merits of Inductive method
1.       It helps in understanding.
2.       It is logical method and develops critical thinking.
3.       It encourages active participation of the students in learning.
4.       It provides ample opportunities for exploration and observation.
5.       It sustains the students’ interest as they proceed from known to unknown.
6.       It curbs the tendency to rote learning as it clears the doubts of the students.
7.       It facilitates meaningful learning.
8.       It enhances self-confidence.
9.       It is helpful for beginners as it provides a number of concrete examples.
10.   It encourages experimentation, observation, analytical thinking and reasoning.
11.   It helps in increasing the pupil-teacher contact.
12.   It does not burden the mind. Formula becomes easy to remember.
13.   It discourages cramming and also reduces home work.
Demerits of Inductive method
1.       This method is limited in range and is not suitable for all topics. Certain complex and complicated formula cannot be generalized in this manner.
2.       It is lengthy, time consuming and laborious method.
3.       Inductive reasoning is not absolutely conclusive because the generalization made with the help of a few specific examples may not holds good in all cases.
4.       We don’t complete the study of a topic simply by discovering a formula but a lot of supplementary work and practice is required for fixing the topic in learner’s mind.
5.       This method is not suitable for higher classes because higher order mathematical principles cannot be generalized through the observation of concrete cases.
6.       It is not suitable for  gifted students as unnecessary details and too many examples make the teaching dull and boring.

DEDUCTIVE METHOD
        Deductive method is based on deductive reasoning. Deductive reasoning is the process of drawing logical inferences from established facts or fundamental assumptions. Contrary to inductive method, in deductive method we begin with the formula, or rule or generalization and apply it to a particular case. In this method, the teacher presents the known facts or generalization and draws inferences regarding the unknown, following a network of reasoning. Therefore, deductive method proceeds from:
i)                    General rule to specific instances.
ii)                   Unknown rule to known case.
iii)                 Abstract rule to concrete instance.
iv)                 Complex rule to simple example.
Steps in Deductive method
Deductive method of teaching follows the steps given below for effective teaching.
1.       Clear recognition of the problem: A clear recognition of the problem statement provides the basic link for the thinking process and the solution to the problem.
2.       Search for a tentative hypothesis: The second step in deductive method is the search for tentative hypothesis, a tentative solution to the problem.
3.       Formulation of tentative hypothesis: The search for the solution leads to the formulation of a tentative hypothesis that appears to have promise as a possible or probable solution to the problem. The tentative hypothesis has its basis on certain axioms or postulates, or propositions or rules and formulae that have been accepted to be true.
4.       Verification: Finally the hypothesis that has been formulated is to be verified as the right solution to the problem at hand.
 Problem solving technique:
     The problem-solving technique is one involves the use of the process of problem-solving or reflective thinking or reasoning. Problem-solving method/technique, as the name indicates, begins with the statement of a problem that challenges the students to find a solution. In this process of solving the problem the students may be required to gather data, analyse and interpret the information, to arrive at a solution to the problems.
Definitions of Problem-solving
1).”A problem occurs in a situation in which a felt difficulty to act is realized. It is a difficulty that is clearly present and recognized by the thinker. It may be a purely mental difficulty or it may be physical and involve the manipulation of data. The distinguishing thing about a problem, however, is that it impresses the individual who meets it as needing a solution. He recognizes it as a challenge”. -----Yokam and Simpson
2). “Problem solving is a planned attack upon a difficulty or perplexity for the purpose of finding a satisfactory solution”. ---- Risk. T.M
3).”Problem-solving is an Educational device whereby the teacher and the pupils attempt in a conscious, planned, purposeful manner to arrive at an explanation or solution to some educationally significant difficulty”. --- James Ross.
From the above definitions, problem solving involves the following,
·         A goal to be reached
·         A felt difficulty to reach the goal
·         Challenging the felt difficulty through conscious, planned and purposeful attack
·         Reaching the goal or arriving at a satisfactory solution to the problem at  hand
Main objectives of Problem-solving technique
·         to stimulate reflective and creative thinking of the students.
·         It involves the thought process the result from a doubt, a perplexity or a problem.
·         The approach leads to the formulation of generalisations that are useful in future situations involving the solution of similar problems.
·         The solution of a problem, whatever be its nature, practical or informational involves the process of reflective thinking.
Steps in problem-solving

1. Identifying and defining the problem
     The problem arises out of a felt need and out of existing student activities and environment activities. The students should be able to identify and clearly define the problem. The problem that has been identified, should be interesting, challenging and motivating for the students to participate in exploring.
2. Analyzing the problem
      The problem should be carefully analysed as to what is given and what is to be found out. Given facts must be identified and expressed, if necessary in symbolic form. The relationships are to be clearly stated. Relations that are not explicitly stated may be supplied by the students.
3. Formulating tentative hypothesis
     The focus at this stage is on hypothesising-searching for a tentative solution to the problem. Analysis of the given data, and analysis of interrelationships among the given facts help the students in formulating hypothesis or educated guesses as the solution to the problem at hand.
4. Testing the hypothesis
    Appropriate method should be selected to test the validity of the tentative hypothesis as a solution to the problem. If it is not proved to be the solution, the students are asked to formulate alternate hypothesis and proceed.
5. Checking the results or verification of the result
         At this step the students are asked to determine their results and substantiate the expected solution. The students should be able to make generalisations and apply it to their daily life.
Approaches and Techniques to Problem-solving  
 Problem solving advocates the following approaches
·         Analytic and synthetic methods.
·         Inductive and deductive methods.
·         Method of analogies:
     In analogy, problems are solved by comparing them with similar problems that have been solved before. Thus the method of solution becomes explicit and clear.
·         Restatement method:
    Problem solving becomes easier if the student is able to redefine the given problem using his own language and symbols. This approach is known as restatement method.
·         Method of Dependencies:
     In this method, the problem is solved by focusing on mutually dependent components in the problem. The analysis of the problem into its constituent elements throws light on the mutually dependent elements in the problems. The interrelationships among the elements can be made use of for reaching the correct solution of the problem.
·         Graphic Method:
    In this method, the problem is represented using diagrams and figures. The graphic representation aids the students in determining fundamental relationships that exist among the given data and to look for further details and relationships necessary for solving the given problem. This method is very helpful in proving theorems, solving riders, problems relating to mensuration etc.
     Teacher’s role in Problem-solving technique 
     The teacher plays a significant role in problem solving method. The teacher’s role is to:
1.       Ensure an atmosphere of freedom in the class.
2.       Create the problem situation.
3.       Assist the students in accepting, defining and stating the problem.
4.       Helps the students in analyzing the problem and in breaking up the problem into simple units.
5.       Help the students keep their attention focused on the main problem all the time.
6.       Guide the students in locating relevant source materials.
7.       Encourage the students in seeking important relationships in the data.
8.       Helps the students develop an attitude of open mindedness and critical enquiry.
9.       Exhibit spirit of enquiry and discovery.
Characteristics of Good Problem
1.       The problem should be real rather than an artificial one.
2.       It should facilitate the integration of old and new process.
3.       The solution of the problem should result in learning new higher order rules.
4.       The solution of the problem should help in transfer of knowledge.
5.       The problem should be educationally significant, productive of important and worthwhile learning.
6.       It should be possible of solution. The students should be equipped with background information and skills which are prerequisite for solving the given problem.
7.       It should be related the sub-unit, the unit and the course.
8.       It should form the basis for further learning.
9.       It should be clear and free from ambiguities.
10.   It should be interesting and challenging.
11.   It should arouse the curiosity of the students.
12.   It should occur frequently in life situations.
13.   It should provide best mental discipline to the students.
14.   It should facilitate realization of the objectives of teaching mathematics.
Reasons for Difficulties in Solving Problem
1.       Lack of interest and motivation.
2.       Lack of language clarity in understanding the problem.
3.       Inability to analyse the problem thoroughly.
4.       Lack of focus on the key relationships.
5.       In ability to identify the interrelationship among the given data.
6.       Lack of fluency in the mental visualization or diagrammatic representation of the problem.
7.       Inability to recall and apply appropriate rules and formulae.
8.       Lack of skill and practice in solving problems.
9.       Lack of proficiency in the fundamental arithmetic operations.
10.   In adequate knowledge of fundamental mathematical concepts, rules and formulae.
11.   Difficulty in reading, identifying and using mathematical symbols.
Merits of Problem-solving method
1.       Problem-solving provides a real life like experience to the children.
2.       It develops in pupils good habits of planning, thinking, reasoning and independent work.
3.       It develops initiative and self-responsibility among the students.
4.       It takes into account individual differences.
5.       It helps the students to develop reflective thinking.
6.       It helps the students to approach future problems with confidence.
7.       It builds a mental attitude for effective learning based on critical thinking.
8.       It helps the children develop mental traits of open-mindedness and tolerance as the children see many sides to a problem and listen to many points of view.
Demerits of Problem-solving method
1.       Not all students are problem solvers.
2.       The problem solving method becomes monotonous if used too frequently.
3.       It is time consuming and consequently it is not possible to cover the syllabus on time.
4.       The success of this method depends upon mathematics teachers who are well versed in critical thinking and reflective thinking. Not all mathematics teachers are well versed in these type of thinking.
5.       Reference and resource materials may be difficult to come by.
6.       Only a skilled and resourceful teacher will be able to make an effective use of this method.
7.       All topics in mathematics cannot be taught through this method.
8.       Lack of interest and motivation on the part of the students can spoil the effectiveness of this method.

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