Herbartian approach

Herbartian approach

1. Herbartian Approach

2. Herbartian Approach Herbart’s theory of education is based on the assimilative function of the mind. Mind assimilates the knowledge by linking new experiences with the old. While Herbart emphasized only four steps his followers modified it in to six steps. These six steps are termed as Herbartian steps in lesson planning.

3. Preparation/ Introduction According to Herbart the mind of the child must be prepared to receive new knowledge. It is just like preparing the land before sawing the seed. There are several techniques to prepare the students for learning. Asking questions related to previous knowledge Narrating a story related to the topic Arousing curiosity by presenting an exhibit or new facts Doing a simple experiment leading to the lesson Narrating a situation which leads to the lesson It is better if the preparation stage culminates in the announcement of the title of the lesson.

4. Presentation In the presentation stage pupils acquire new ideas and knowledge. Both teacher and the pupils should be active participants in the teaching learning process. The teacher should try to elicit from the students as much as possible using questioning. Demonstration, charts, models and other teaching aids shall be used to make the lesson more interesting. Black board is to be used to summarize the lesson.

5. Comparison and Association Learning becomes permanent when the new knowledge is associated with already known facts, concepts and experiences. Isolated bits of information are easily forgotten. A number of possible connections should be made by giving examples and recalling ideas that students already know and that will have bearing on the new content. Students are asked to observe two situations and compare/contrast and infer from it.

6. Generalization Generalization is a process of abstraction. This process helps the learner to develop an understanding about a group of objects or events. At this stage teacher converges the ideas into a generalized form in the style of definition, principle or formula.

7. Application The knowledge and understanding developed by a student is worth only if he or she uses it in new situations. The application stage gives learner an opportunity to make use of the acquired knowledge in new or unfamiliar situations.

8. Recapitulation Teacher summarizes the complete lesson and students understanding by putting some suitable questions. It is reviewing the students’ achievement.