INDIVIDUAL PRACTICAL METHOD

      This method is considered to be one of the best methods of teaching science, as it provides learning by doing. In this method, the students perform experiments on their own. The main difference between the demonstration method and this method is that in demonstration method teacher performs experiments and the students observe the activity. But in this method, the students perform the experiments under the supervision of the teacher. Unless the students perform experiments on their own they will not come to know what science really is . In this method they may do experiments individually or in small groups.

Generally Laboratory experiments are of five kinds

·        Experiments to illustrate scientific principles

·        Experiments to find numerical results

·        Experiments to produce slides or preparation of gases

·        Experiments to verify experiments

·        Inventory experiments

Definitions

Dr. Mankal ‘Students are encouraged to derive the laws and principles of science themselves by actually performing the experiments. The students are given all necessary materials and equipment in the lab along with proper instructions for carrying out their experiments with their own initiative effort, and then they carry on experiments and record the observation and infer teacher supervises their work and also guides them, wherever needed.

Characteristics of Laboratory method

·        Students active

·        Teacher give instruction

·        Teacher is a guide and supervisor

·        Observation record should be brought

·        Graph if need

·        Logarithmic tables if needed

·        Diagram note for biological students

Objectives of Laboratory method

Ø  To develop manipulative skills

Ø   To maintain interest in science

Ø   To encourage accurate observation and careful recording

Ø  To make biological, chemical, physical phenomenon more real through actual experience

Ø  Process of finding facts by investigation and arriving at principles

Ø  To train the students in science processes and scientific method

Ø  To give training in problem solving

Ø  To verify facts and principles already taught in theory

Ø  To develop the ability of interpretation and observation

Ø  More democratic

Ø  To prepare the students for practical examination

Advantages

·        Learning by doing

·        Opportunity to handle materials

·        Learning to follow directions carefully

·        Learning skills in performing experiments, recoding observations and results summarizing data and drawing conclusions

·        Student centered

·        Students are active and alert

·        Develop scientific attitude

·        Provides training  in scientific method

Disadvantages

·        More expensive method.

·        Difficult to schedule in the school timetable when double periods are provided

·        More time consuming process

·         No guarantee that the students think scientifically

·        Weak students copy the results of the bright students

·        Quite mechanical

·        Not useful for large classes

·        Requires will equipped laboratories

·        Text books in use that can be under taken by the students

·        Tends to become an end in itself rather than a means to an end.

Conclusion

     In this method students perform experiments by their own hands individually and the students are more active. Teacher gives instructions. Class management is a critical factor for successful laboratory activities. Laboratory management may pose some problem to the science teacher. She will have to pay special attention to seating, grouping, discipline, safety, regulations and monitoring student activities.

Reference

Mohan Radha, (2004). Innovative Science Teaching. New Delhi: Prentice Hall of India

Dr.Rajasekar, S.(2005).Methods of Teaching Physical Science. New Delhi: Neelkamal Publications

Soni Anju, (2006). Teaching of Physical Science. Ludhiana: Tandon Publications