Heuristic methods

Heuristic methods, Method of Teaching Sciences.

1. Heuristic Method Mr. Bheem Pad Mahato Assistant Professor F culty of Education I CFAI U niversity T ripura

2. Heuristic Method Heurisco (Greek) I Find I Discover

3. Need to create effective learning situation The classroom atmosphere should facilitate free exploration. Learners must feel safe and accepted. Risk and rewords for seeking new knowledge. Opportunities to new information and experiences. Pace for learning.

4. - Henry Edward  Armstrong

5. Definition “Heuristic method is a method of teaching which involves our placing the students as far as possible in the attitude of a discoverer”. - Henry Edward  Armstrong  

6. “This method as the name implies is a method by which the pupil discovers things for himself. The pupil is put in the position of a pioneer and he finds his way along the path of knowledge as did those who first discovered the facts, principles and laws which are now known to all”. - W M Ryburn , Definition

7. Essential Conditions of Heuristic Learning It provides the Student freedom of action. It provides an environment, which is responsive. It encourages the student to learn. It provides teacher’s guidance whenever required

8. Where we can apply - There is an encouragement for the process of searching There is respect for creative thinking The new ideas are welcomed Mistakes could be done and at the same time they can be corrected.

9. Objectives of Heuristic Methods To develop among students the ability of self-learning. To develop among students the ability of critical thinking. To develop among students the attitude of logical thinking. To develop among students the attitude of accepting truth only after verification. To develop among students the attitude of not accepting things based on blind faith. To develop among students the scientific thinking.

10. Principles of the Heuristic Method Principle of freedom Principle of experience Principle of activity or learning by doing Principle of purposefulness Principle of logical thinking Principle of play-way Principle of individual work.

11. Problem Solving Strategy Understanding and representing the problem Selecting or planning the solution Executing the plan Evaluating the results

12. Role of a Teacher Searching the suitable problem. The teacher keeps in mind the age, abilities and interests of the students, along with the resources available. The teacher should be studious who can give relevant references as and when required by the students. The teacher should prepare a detailed instruction sheet to the students. The teacher should possess the attitude of a discoverer, until he or she does possess such attitude, the students never get inspired to become a discoverer themselves. The teacher should have the knack of asking questions and also encourage the students to ask questions. Questioning is a very important aspect of heuristic method as it helps in determining the level of understanding in the students.

13. Role of a Teacher The teacher should inculcate the skills of self-expression, self-development, self-confidence and self-help in the students. The teacher plays the role of a guide to the students, and provides the students sufficient information regarding the problem taken up and helps them in carrying it out. The teacher plays a significant role in developing scientific attitudes and values; and at the same time allows the freedom of work. The teacher may organize field trips, visits to museums and exhibitions to supplement the knowledge of the students.

14. Role of a Teacher The teacher plays an important role in drawing conclusions from the observations and experimentations. She will help the students in arriving at the generalizations and relating to the body of the knowledge. The teacher should be ready to accept any solution coming from the student’s side on the problem. This will develop the true spirit of problem solving among the students. The teacher should be sympathetic and courteous towards the students.

15. Advantages The method lays emphasis on individual practical work. Thus it makes the child self-reliant. Inculcates the scientific temperament by developing scientific attitudes and scientific methodology. The methods help in developing self learning and self direction. The students develop the habit of enquiry and investigation.

16. Advantages The students also develop the power of diligence. The method is based on the important principle of “learning by doing”. As the results obtained are from the direct experiences of the students, the knowledge acquired by them will be retained for a longer period of time. Develops the research skills, critical thinking and logical reasoning in the students.

17. Disadvantages This method is time consuming and therefore the syllabus will not be completed in the prescribed time period. This method is suitable when the teacher is enthusiastic and gifted. It is too technical and scientific for an average teacher. The method demands hard work, great efficiency, training in scientific methods etc., from the teacher. Sufficient skills and training are required for the gradation of the problems. The method could be applied only to small classes with less number of students.

18. Thanks