Devices of Teaching
Meaning-
A device of teaching is the plan, a scheme or a trick
intended for the purpose of effective teaching and purposeful learning. A
teacher is expected to use the device while conducting his class. There are
different devices that can be used within a particular method. It is an
external mode that instruction may assure from time to time.
There are two major kinds of teaching devices. They are: –
a. Natural Devices
b. Artificial Devices
Natural Devices: – Natural devices are those where
learning is a bi-product of the direct experiences, like excursions, field
trips, outdoor activities etc.
Artificial Devices: – Artificial devices are those
where by learning is possible through certain means like illustration,
narration, questioning etc.
Importance of Teaching Devices-
a. They are used to teach more thoroughly so that
students may retain the content for a longer time.
b. They are used to teach more quickly, (Most of
the syllabus can be covered within a short time)
c. They are used to create or sustain interest in
the pupil.
d. They serve as a means of integrating a number of
separate pieces of work, that have already been learnt by other means.
e. They are helpful in bringing something new to
the students in a simplified way.
Artificial Devices of Teaching—
Artificial devices of teaching are one of the major kinds of
teaching device. Artificial devices are those whereby learning is possible
through certain means like illustration, explanation, narration, questioning
etc.
Let us discuss them one by one—
1. Explanation
i. Explanation: –
To explain is to make ideas, concepts, events and actions clear. The
object of all explanation is to enable the pupil to take interest in proceeding
to grasp the purpose of what is being done and to develop their understanding.
Language is a vital component of explanation and it should be simple, clear and
precise, definite and specific. Explanation involves following two factors that
contribute to its effectiveness.
a. Continuity: – Continuity has two
components: 1. Sequence and 2. Fluency
b. Simplicity
c. Explicitness
In addition to these, a good explanation depends on the
identification of the aspects to be related (objects, events and process) and
identification of the relationship among the components.
2. Illustration
i. Illustration—
Illustration is a device that
stands for the use of means and materials in order to help students to acquire
concrete knowledge of the materials presented by making it clear, interesting,
intelligible and comprehensible. Illustrations are divided into two categories:
—
1. Verbal and 2. Concrete
When a teacher makes use of
word, pictures, examples, metaphors, analogies, etc. then he makes use of
verbal illustrations. But when he/she uses objects, models, charts, maps,
diagrams, etc., he/she makes use of concrete illustrations.
The educational significance of
illustrations is: –
a. To make abstract ideas concrete.
b. To introduce nobility and variety in the
class.
c. To make an appeal to the senses and the
imagination of the student.
d. To make ideas clear, definite and
precise.
3. Narration
i. Narration: –
Narration is one of the most significant devices of
imparting instruction particularly in subjects like history, literature,
geography, etc. It refers to telling a story for giving on account of some
events or certain happenings. But to be a good narrator, one requires a skilled
use of language and a good command over vocabulary. The significance of
narration lies in the following aspects—
a. It provides knowledge in abundance.
b. It helps the children to learn quickly.
c. It makes the subject matter easy and
interesting.
d. It makes use of illustrations such as
graphs, models, charts etc.
e. It makes the students interested in
knowing and solving the various problems of life.
4. Questioning
i. Questioning: –
Good questioning by their very
nature is educative questioning plays an important role in teaching-learning
and evaluating. When used at the right time and in the right manner, it can
lead to new levels of understanding. Questions serve as a means of organizing
knowledge, corelating results, binding together different limits of learning
and of integrating personality. The characteristics of good questions are as
follows: –
a. The language of the question should be
clear and simple.
b. Questions should be definite, short, not ambiguous
and vague.
c. Questions should be graded (neither too
difficult nor too easy).
d. They should be relevant to the topic.
e. Questions should not be suggestions of
the answer.
f. It should be asked to the entire class.
g. Adequate time should be given to answer
each question.
h. The mode of asking questions should be
pleasant.
i. Phrases like ‘Can you answer this
question?’ should be avoided.
j. Echo question should be avoided.
k. Questions should be interesting as far as
possible.
Purpose of Questioning
a. To test previous knowledge of the
students.
b. To help to recall previously learnt
things.
c. To think over something.
d. To reason about something.
e. To achieve feedback from students.
f. To evaluate the effectiveness of a
teacher’s teaching.
g. To help to remain alert and attentive.
h. To stimulate the curiosity of students.
i. To secure the cooperation of students.
j. To help students to ascertain whether
they are following the lesson or not.
To link new knowledge
with the old
Classification of Questions:-
Questions can be classified into four types:
1. Introductory or preliminary Questions.
2. Developing Questions.
3. Recapitulatory Questions
4. Testing or Evaluating questions.
Introductory or preliminary Questions: The
introductory questions are asked at the beginning of the lesson and they help
in testing the previous knowledge of the students and also in arousing the
curiosity of the students.
Developing Questions: Developing questions are asked
during the course of the lesson and they help in letting the teacher know the
progress of the student and also increase mental ability in the pupils. They
also help the pupils to develop their knowledge step by step.
Recapitulatory Question: These questions are asked at
the end of the whole lesson or at the end of each section of the lesson. They
are of two types:
1. Sectional Revision
2. Final Recapitulation.
Testing or Evaluation Questions: Evaluating or testing
questions are related to periodic as well as external evaluation.
Levels of Question:-
There are three levels of questions:
1. Lower order
2. Middle order
3. Higher order
Lower order: Lower-level questions tests ability to
recall.
Middle order: Middle order questions tests comprehension
and applicability of the students.
Higher order: Higher order questions tests higher mental
ability analysis, synthesis, creativity, critical awareness, judgement etc.
