In this article, we have shared detailed study notes on the Science Teaching method, important to make preparation for teaching exams. The candidates appearing in the upcoming CTET must prepare Methods of Science Teaching to score well.

The “method” is a “Latin Word”, which means the way of mode. So, it can be said that it is the method by which a teacher imparts knowledge and scientific skills to his or her students, and how those students understand and use those skills as they learn science.

Read the following article to get study notes on Science Teaching Method in detail.

Methods of Science Teaching

Every approach has some virtue in it, and no way is entirely good, according to Valtaire and Spancer. Students should be given as little information as possible and encouraged to learn as much as they can.

Below are some methods which are mostly used in teaching, considering the rules of Pedagogy.

Lecture Method

This is among the most well-liked and established pedagogical approaches used in our institutions. A lecture is a speech or discourse used to impart a lesson.

Merits	Demerits
It will be a highly efficient method of teaching if the teacher follows a systematic manner. It saves time as the students can take notes conveniently.	It is seen that most of the time students are inactive and student participation is less

Demonstration Method

To demonstrate means what the word signifies. Students gain practical experiences from experiment demonstration. The use of movies, slides, and projectors is part of it. With this approach, the instructor conducts a theoretical study and validates the results in the classroom.

It has merits and demerits, as listed below:

Merits

Both the teacher and the students participate in this strategy.
It costs less money and takes less time.
Students improve their powers of observation, inference, and thought.

Demerits

This approach does not give all the students the opportunity to try something new.
It is not founded on the idea of learning by experience.
Children do not get an analytical mindset from it.

Problem-Solving Method

This approach is used mainly at the time of necessity. The issue should be presented to the pupils in plain language and in accordance with their comprehension and prior learning. With the assistance of the teacher, the students will be expected to analyse and synthesise the issue and attempt to identify a solution.

Merits

Students get the ability to solve their own challenges.
They improve their ability to make observations and make arguments.
Students have the chance to learn about the procedures for gathering, analysing, and deriving conclusions from data.

Demerits

It requires a lot of time and effort.
The lower classes students can not use it.
Teachers and students with exceptional talent should use this approach.

Laboratory Method

It is also referred to as the experimental approach. It takes more than just lecturing to make science instruction meaningful, efficient, engaging, and understandable. You also need to provide students with the chance to practise what they are learning. Students are provided all the tools they need in the lab, together with the appropriate instruments, to do their experiments on their own initiative and with their own initiative, then they conduct the experiment, record the observation, and deduce their conclusion. Where necessary, the teacher leads the class.

Merits

Demerits

Students gain practical knowledge and competence using scientific tools and equipment.
It aids in the formation of thinking, logical reasoning, and problem-solving habits.
It is completely a student’s-centred approach
It supports the development of a more scientific mindset, attitude, and disposition.
It opens the door for the investigation, testing, and confirmation of scientific truths and principles.

This approach is quite expensive as the students need equipment.
Not every teacher can successfully employ this technique.
Its usefulness is limited because this approach cannot be used to teach every idea.

Observation Method

In this method, students learn new things by acquiring knowledge through observing. Students might be able to recognise nature in their surroundings through observations. Careful observation and listening are required during consideration.

Merits

The students efficiently and clearly observe the similarities and differences between objects.
They can develop confidence, self-reliance, and self-dependence.

Demerits

It is not workable, meaning that its practical application is still lacking.
Language and cultural difficulties might be present.
Data collecting is really challenging.

Heuristic Method

The Greek term “Heurisco,” which means “to discover,” is the source of the English word “heuristic.” Heuristic methods encourage students to do their own independent investigations in order to come to their own conclusions. This method implies that the students be given the opportunity to pause, reflect, and recommend changes for future experiments. In order to solve the issue, students work together and observe. Here, the teacher’s function is that of a facilitator and guide. Only after the student has exhausted all other options to resolve his or her problems does the teacher offer assistance.

Merits

It fosters in students a spirit of curiosity.
The learner starts to take an active role in their education.
It encourages the practice of independent thinking, self-reliance, etc.
The information gained is more reliable.
The student’s ability to observe is improved, as is his capacity for thought.

Demerits

This strategy is a little challenging when used to instruct younger kids.
It necessitates remarkable work and meticulous planning on the part of the teacher.
It takes a lot of time and money.
A class with a larger number of students should not employ this strategy because it necessitates the teacher giving each student individualised attention.

Project Method

This method involves discovery, and investigation to find out something, which was unknown to the students. Here, the student has the authority to choose which experiments are required and how he would do them. The student will behave scientifically. With this approach, the students are given a challenge and asked to come up with a solution.

Merits

They learn how to be patient, content, and satisfied.
They’ll be able to establish a connection between the numerous topics.

Demerits

Time-consuming and costly
Whole syllabus cannot be completed
This approach results in a disorderly, erratic, and discontinuous process of teaching and learning.

Hopefully, this article has shared all the necessary information related to the methods of science teaching. Join BYJU’S to make an effective preparation for the upcoming Government Exams. Here, you will get instant support from exam experts to get your doubts resolved.