TOPIC: SOME SPECIAL METHODS OF TEACHING AND
THE MAJOR CHARACTERISTICS
COURSE TITLE : Curriculum Design and
Development
COURSE CODE : PDE 704
FACILITATOR IN CHARGE : Dr. ADENIJI P.O.
DATE : 22ND FEBRUARY, 2025
GROUP 10 :
Ajayi Ibrahim
Ogunmakinde Margaret
Olaogun Florence
Agboola Oluwaseun
Oladipo Boluwatife
Fadele Adeyinka Sunday
Victor Benjamin
Odejinmi Kehinde
Kehinde Oluwashina
Odebunmi Nathaniel
Fasola Oluwafemi
Oyedele Abiodun
Teaching Methods
A teaching method has been defined by Afolabi and Adesope (2010) as a specific
instructional process which differs from any other by the diversities of specialized
activities. This implies that each teaching method has its own peculiar characteristics
and steps which differ from another teaching method. These steps make a teaching
method to be different from another method. The teaching method variables are
manipulated at a varying degree.
Teaching method is very important in the impartation of knowledge in teaching-learning
processes and the type adopted determines to a great extent what the student
assimilate. In actual fact if the appropriate method is adopted, knowledge acquired can
be accelerated. People opined that no educational system can rise above the quality of
its teacher, nor can a nation rise above the quality of her educational system. It is your
duty as a teacher to ensure that appropriate teaching method or a combination of two
or more methods is used in order to achieve the stated aims and objectives.
Some Various Methods of Teaching
Lecture or the chalk and talk method
Discussion method
Demonstration method
Discovery method
Assignment/project method
Field trips method (Excursion)
Individualized instructional method
Laboratory method
Inductive and deductive method
Open education method.
Values Clarifications.
Computer Assisted Instructions (CAI)
The Lecture Method
This is referred to as the teacher-dominated approach to teaching, hence it is termed a
didactic method. It involves verbal presentation of ideas, concepts, generalization and
facts. The objective of this method is just to stuff the students with information. You do
most of the work by talking while students are just passive or slightly involved by taking
down notes and asking few or no questions. In the Universities and other institutions of
higher learning, the lecture method is the acceptable means of imparting information.
At the secondary school level, the students have not been trained to follow chains of
reasoning. Therefore lecture method should not be used in its pure forms:-
Advantages of the Lecture Method
It is cheap to operate as no special apparatus is needed
It makes fewer demands on the teacher’s time for planning and preparing and is therefore
an attractive and easy method of teaching.
It is an efficient means of giving a vast amount of knowledge in a limited amount of time.
Large classes of students can be handled by the teacher.
It serves to channel the thinking of all students in a given direction.
Disadvantages of the Lecture Method
Students are passive listeners and do not participate in the development of the lesson.
The desired learning outcomes may not be accomplished.
The method is inadequate for teaching certain types of concepts e.g. attitudes and feelings
which are not learned through pure telling.
Students’ progress cannot be evaluated during the lesson since they are passive. It cannot
meet the different needs of the students as regards individual differences.
It rarely affords students the opportunity to practice communication skills.
It’s largely denied of exploratory aspects of learning.
Students may show a tendency to accept the teacher as the “final authority”.
Consequently they accept his biases and prejudices at face value.
It encourages rote learning or cramming.
The Discussion Method
Discussion method is based on the philosophy that knowledge arises within the students
and not from any external source. The students take over the subject from various points
of view and the teacher serves as a moderator.
Advantages of the Discussion Method
Students maintain a high degree of mental alertness to develop clear thinking.
Interest is maintained and a feeling of confidence as students learn to express themselves
freely.
Students learn through discussion method owing to active participation and involvement
in the lesson.
Discussion method provides good practice for problem-solving.
It provides the teacher with information about the students which can aid in a better
understanding of the students.
Teaching by discussion leads to positive attitudinal change because a student may find
his or her own values and beliefs challenged by the views of fellow students.
Disadvantages of the Discussion Method
A lot of time would be wasted before the students arrive at satisfactory answers.
Discussion method cannot be used so often as it does not allow for easy coverage of the
syllabus.
In most cases, most students do not participate in the lesson because they do not know or
know little about the topic of the lesson. They may even be shy or fearful.
Students who have no background of the topic being discussed may become bored or
disinterested in the lesson.
Since the attention span of the students (young ones) is very short, they cannot maintain
high level of attention.
The Demonstration Method
In demonstration method, you the teacher will do a display or exhibition while the
students watch. It typically involves showing students the correct use of science
apparatus, illustrating a technique (for example, using chloroform to anaesthetize toads or
guinea pigs) performing an “experiment” which is either dangerous, risky, difficult or
expensive for individual students use.
Demonstration method can be used in the drilling of shorthand outlines, manipulation of
various office equipment could be demonstrated by the teacher during office practice
lesson. Sometimes demonstrations can be performed by students either individually or in
groups. Also in trades like sewing, weaving, barbing, pot making and the like
demonstration method is best adopted using the teaching learning processes.
Advantages of the Demonstration Method
It is an inexpensive method since only the demonstrator needs materials.
It shows how something is accomplished properly or expertly, since the teacher is
supposedly more competent than most students.
Demonstration method is especially beneficial in the areas of skills and attitudes.
The proficiency displayed reduces the length of trial and error time.
It can reduce hazards e.g. breakage and accidents before students embark on individual or
group work with materials involved.
A good demonstration method holds the learners attention thus facilitating learning by
giving students the opportunity to see and hear what is actually happening.
Disadvantages of the Demonstration Method
The assumption made that all the students see and hear equally well does not necessarily
follow.
Visibility of details of what is being demonstrated is not assured in large classrooms or in
circumstances where extremely small objects are used.
Where the demonstration is restricted to the teacher alone, students will be denied the
opportunity to acquire manipulative skills in handling of the materials and apparatus
Discovery Method
Discovery method is a teaching strategy which enables students to find the answers
themselves. It is a learner centred approach hence it is called a heuristic method. It is of
two types, notably, the guided discovery and the unguided discovery. In the guided
discovery, the teacher (you) guides the students to discover for themselves solutions to
given problems by providing them with general principles, but not the solution to the
scientific problem.
The unguided discovery type involves the students discovering for themselves both the
general principles and solution to a scientific problem. It is sometimes called the pure
discovery.
Advantages of the Discovery Method
Discovery method, whether it is the directed type or undirected, makes the student an
active participant rather than a mere passive recipient. Since the method poses a
challenge for the student to discover the information or knowledge for himself, retention
of any information or knowledge so discovered will be increased.
The training acquired in finding out things for oneself independently can be applied to
new learning and problem solving. The joy in discovering something provides the
students with intrinsic motivation.
Discovery method brings home to pupils their notions of the nature of scientific evidence,
students learnt that answers to questions can often be obtained from investigations they
can carry out for themselves.
Discovery method helps students develop manipulative skills and attitudes which
constitute one of the fundamental objectives of science teaching.
Since discovery operates at the highest levels of the cognitive domain, it encourages
analytical and synthetic thought as well as intuitive thinking.
Disadvantages of the Discovery Method
Discovery method is time consuming and progress is comparatively slow. Apparatus
have to be set up and result(s) of the investigation awaited.
The method leaves open the possibility of not discovering anything. Students may end up
discovering things other than what was intended to be discovered. This could be highly
demoralizing to them particularly if great effort has been expended.
The method is expensive considering the equipment and materials needed.
Discovery method is only good for a small class where effective teacher supervision is
possible.
The Project Method
The Project Method of teaching centers on an assignment of interest undertaken by an
individual student or a group or a whole class. In this method, the students are guided
when necessary.
Advantages of the Project Method
Since emphasis is on doing by the student, opportunity is provided to develop his
initiative as well as greater understanding of how to learn.
Motivation to work is high since it is based on the natural interests of students. It thus
offers opportunity for creative ability particularly for specially talented students.
It gives students specific areas to work on sometimes with acquisition of some new skills
and attitudes.
Group project afford opportunity for developing leadership and organizing abilities.
Disadvantages of the Project Method
Projects are very time-consuming and what is ultimately learned may not justify the
expense, efforts and time put in to complete the project.
Students often get sidetracked particularly if they lack good grasp of facts necessary in
carrying out the projects.
It may be difficult to determine the extent to which the individual has participated.
It is difficult to choose a project that will interest all the students in the class at one time.
It favours the independent students, those without independent study skills may suffer.
Some students may not participate in the project work at all
The Field Trip
This method involves taking learners on an excursion outside the classroom for the
purpose of making relevant observation for the purpose of obtaining Technological and
Vocational Information.
Field trip as a method can be used in teaching Business Studies, Sciences and some art
subjects like Yoruba, History, etc.
The Advantages of the Field Trip
It allows the students to engage fully in the activities of the study.
It sharpens the students observational abilities.
It helps to add reality to and verify how the area of coverage operates in practice.
Field trip is useful in developing all senses of the students.
It provides opportunity for students to identify ways of spending leisure time profitably.
Things that cannot be brought to the classroom can be observed and studied e. g.
ecological succession, oceans, etc.
Through direct contact with different occupations provided by field trips student learn
and develop an appreciation of the “world” of work outside of the school in relation to
school work.
Experience gained during a field trip can motivate students to read about what they have
observed, so as to harmonize actual field experiences with information gathered from
textbooks.
Disadvantages of the Field Trip
Arranging a good field trip necessitates careful planning.
Not only does it consume a considerable amount of time, but transportation arrangements
are often difficult and may be expensive.
Class supervision may prove difficult since students tend to move round.
If not properly planned and organized, the field trip becomes a waste of time and
resources and takes away from valuable learning activities.
Even after the most thoughtful preparation and planning, accidents can and do occur in
field trips.
A field trip may create conflicts with other classes.
The Individual Instructional Method
This method is a programmed instruction in which the learning programmes are
presented in carefully structured steps and the steps depend on the individual student and
the nature of materials to be learned. For example the pace of learning depends on
individual students.
Advantages of the Individualized Instructional Method
It allows the student to go at his own pace.
It makes the student to participate.
It gives the teacher quick knowledge of individual student i.e. whether the lesson is
understood or not, since test is usually given at the end of every lesson.
It can be used effectively to make up for lack of background by particular member of the
class.
It reduces a student’s anxiety as he depends on himself.
Disadvantages of the Individualized Instructional Method
It is time consuming.
It is highly demanding of equipments and materials.
It requires very little or no interaction among the students.
The Laboratory Method
This is an activity method designed to be carried out by an individual student or a group
of students for the purpose of making personal observations from experiments in which
students can get conclusions by themselves.
Advantages of the Laboratory Method
Learning through this method extends and reinforces theoretical learning through reality.
Laboratory method offers students the opportunity to develop scientific attitudes such as
objectivity, critical thinking, carefulness, open mindedness etc.
Because the method implies learning by doing students tend to be more interested
because of active involvement.
Students become familiar with how scientific knowledge is acquired by performing
experiments, recording observations and results, summarizing data and drawing
conclusions.
Through laboratory method, the student learns how to handle apparatus and other
instruments, thereby developing manipulative skills.
Laboratory method promotes problem solving and self reliance.
Disadvantages of the Laboratory method
It can be expensive if separate equipment and materials have to be provided.
It is time-consuming because of the careful planning and preparation required.
Acquisition of skills which results from exposure to the laboratory method, is of
questionable value as objectives for some of the students who will have little use of them
later.
It is an inefficient practice of teaching where ordinary telling method or simple
demonstration is perfectly adequate.
Getting involved in laboratory activities can also enable students to learn much about the
inter-relationship between science and technology.
The Inductive Method
The inductive method of teaching begins with particular examples and from the
examination of the examples, definition are established. The teacher tries to draw out
from the student the already acquired knowledge. This is done through questioning.
Also the teacher tries to relate the knowledge gained is one subject area to another
through description of similaries.
Characteristics of the Inductive Method
It proceeds from the known to the unknown.
It proceeds from the particular to the general.
It proceeds from the concrete to the abstract.
It is an analytic method or process.
It is a method of discovery.
The Deductive Method
In deductive method a statement or a rule or formula is given. From this rule or formula,
the teacher begins to work back to a particular case. For example a formula in
mathematics. That is the whole is given and the students are made to see the parts that
build it up.
Characteristics of the Deductive Method
It starts from the general rule and proceeds to the particular.
It is a dogmatic assertion like Christian creed.
It is a method of instruction whereby the general rule is at first vague to the pupils, but it
becomes clearer after the teacher has skillfully and fully expressed it.
It proceeds from indefinite to definite.
Open Education
Open Education is that system of education which attempts to make education accessible
to all in a flexible mode such that learner learn at their own pace and in a place
convenient for them use specially prepared self-learning materials may also make use of
electronic media like radio, television, audio-visual materials, telephones, computers, etc.
This educational system opens door of educational opportunity to all and sundry,
regardless of age, sec, race etc; in particular. The target groups and learners in an open
educational system. One such example is the National Open University of Nigeria,
Lagos.
Choices available to an Open system learner include:
Choice of where to learn – whether at home, in the library, place of work or some other
place without restriction of the formal school system.
The choice of when to learn – as there is no imposed time for learners or time frame for
completion as obtained in the formal school system.
Advantages of Open Education
Less time is wasted. The time and the expenses of traveling to and from classroom or
training centers are eliminated.
Open education ensures that the learners avoid unnecessary information.
Since it is an individualized instruction, it affords learners the opportunity to learn at their
own pace.
It leads to reduction in cost of accommodation.
Trainers and lecturers have much more time to devote to other things.
It makes education available to more people who would never have pursued formal
education.
Through open education, time off from job or duty may be reduced.
Less pressure is exerted on school facilities. (classroom, hostels, toilets etc).
It ensures that there is no forum for students riot as learners are not together.
Disadvantages of Open Education
Students miss out on the help they could have had from fellow students in a group study.
It is difficult to evaluate learners as compared with the conventional school system.
Where means of communication are not well developed, provision of two-way
communication between learners and the open institution may be difficult.
CONCLUSION
There is no end to the various ways by which human beings learn. More methods of
teaching are yet to be unfolded. Teacher-dominated and students dominated approaches
to teaching are two ends of the spectrum from which a balance must be struck in order to
be able to evaluate teaching and learning processes. Efforts should be made to choose
adequate and appropriate methods in line with the curriculum objectives.
REFERENCES/FURTHER READING
Abdullahi, A. (1982). Science Teaching in Nigeria. Ilorin, Kwara State: Atoto Press Ltd.
Adeyemo P. O. (1985). Principle of Education and Practice of Education . Ado Ekiti:
Omolayo Standard Press and Bookshops Co. (Nig.) Ltd.
Afolabi, S. S. (2010). Mathematics Teaching in Southwestern Nigeria: Criteria for
Pedagogical Options. International Journal of Contemporary Issues in Education. Special
Edition, 2010. pp.322-328. A Publication of Institute of Education, Obafemi Awolowo
University. Ile-Ife).
