Notes: Teaching Methods | Science & Pedagogy Paper 2 for CTET & TET Exams - CTET & State TET PDF Download

The various methods employed in science teaching significantly impact teaching and learning at the school level. When conducted in a dull manner, the outcomes are often poor. Therefore, it is essential to adopt an integrated approach using various methods to make the science subject interesting to young, impressionable minds.

Introduction to Science Teaching Methods

A teacher imparts lessons, but the method structures how the lesson is taught effectively. Different methods of teaching science have been proposed by various educational thinkers. These methods can be categorized based on the participation of teachers and students:

1. Teacher-Centred Methods

These methods focus on the teacher as the center of the classroom, with students often passively receiving information through activities such as telling, memorizing, and recalling. The interaction mainly involves students asking or answering questions.

2. Child-Centred Methods

These methods focus on the needs, interests, and capabilities of students, encouraging them to actively participate. Teachers facilitate a conducive learning environment, where students explore problems, formulate hypotheses, and draw conclusions together.

Classification of Teaching Methods

Several methods are adopted in science teaching, such as lecture method, lecture-cum-demonstration method, observation method, laboratory methods, discovery method, and problem-solving method.

 Lecture Method

This method combines lecturing with discussion, fostering active interaction between teachers and students. A 10-minute discussion after the lecture allows students to ask questions, share experiences, and seek clarifications. This helps teachers identify difficulties, provide explanations, stimulate interest, and assess understanding.

Characteristics of the Lecture Method:

• Facilitates interactive learning through active participation of both teachers and students.
• Aims to disseminate knowledge and achieve educational objectives.
• Encourages a two-way exchange of ideas, making discussions dynamic and engaging.
• Enhances critical thinking skills by encouraging students to analyze, synthesize, and generalize concepts.

Principles of the Lecture Method:

• Teachers should understand and address students' learning needs.
• Sustaining students' interest in the subject is crucial for effective learning.
• Visual aids and ICT tools should be integrated to enhance comprehension.
• Concepts should be introduced progressively, linking prior knowledge with new ideas, moving from simple to complex topics.

Lecture-Cum-Demonstration Method

This method overcomes the limitations of the lecture method by demonstrating scientific facts and principles practically while explaining the theory simultaneously. It should be used considering students’ age, capacity, and learning environment.

Principles of the Lecture-Cum-Demonstration Method:

• Lacks emphasis on "Learning by Doing" and psychological principles of learning.
• Visibility issues may arise, making it difficult for all students to observe details.
• Does not align with key psychological learning principles.
• Limits the development of laboratory skills.
• Not suitable for covering the entire syllabus.

Animal dissection is not mandatory in any syllabus, and live animals cannot be used. Only euthanized animals or purchased specimens (from butchers, markets, or biological suppliers) are allowed. Non-animal materials can also be used for skill development. Participation is voluntary, and alternative activities must be provided for students who opt out.