Lecture-cum-demonstration method

       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 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.

Conclusion

        This method can prove to be one of the best methods for teaching science to High and Higher Secondary classes. The teacher should encourage the students to demonstrate the experiments to the class.

Reference

Mohan Radha, (2007). Innovative Science Teaching. New Delhi: Prentice Hall of India

Mangal, S.K.(1990). Teaching of Science. New Delhi: Arya book depot

Sharma, R.C.(2006).Modern Science Teaching. New Delhi: Dhanpat Rai Publishing Ltd.

Soni Anju , (2008).Teaching of Science. Ludhiana: Tandon Publication