Demonstration Method .. Show me please!

DEFINITION

As a strategy that achieves both cognitive and psychomotor objectives, method demonstration employs the use of visual aids and hands-on procedures or activities to help students learn.

CHARACTERISTICS

This method utilizes three senses—touch, sight, and hearing.
It allows for the practical application of theoretical knowledge.
It is mostly used in primary classes but is just as effective in higher levels of education e.g. medical universities and lab work.
It gives a real insight into the working of things.
Often referred to as the most effective way of learning.
It reinforces the permanent learning of students as they are inclined to retain knowledge learned by experience rather than listening and looking.
Micro-teaching is a form of method demonstration. It allows teachers to teach learners in a small classroom with fewer objectives and content. This provides them with experience.
Skills are inculcated into learners by imitation.
The teacher is the primary demonstrator and shows how something is done. Students observe and sometimes even try to replicate the results.
Learners learn by doing something not by reading or listening.

PROCESS

STEP 1: INTRODUCTION- After the lesson plan is made, the teacher comes into the classroom and introduces the topic to the students. The teacher is the demonstrator and starts to brief the students about what he/she is doing. Students watch and observe. They can also ask questions at the end of the demonstration or in the middle.
STEP 2: DEVELOPMENT- Once the demonstration is over, the students try to perform it individually or in groups. Any questions that may arise during their turn of doing is answered by the teacher and they may demonstrate again if it clears the confusion of the students.
STEP 3: INTEGRATION- Once the student’s demonstration is completed, the teacher recapitulates the topic and summarizes important findings and conclusions.

CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTIONS

To recapitulate, the demonstration method is effective to reinforce theoretical knowledge and retain it in the memory permanently. There are some drawbacks to this method—excessive time consumption, highly expensive, and lack of sincerity on the teacher’s part. A suggestion would be to apply this method after the syllabus is completed, preferably during the revision of topics. This would ensure that the students understand the processes deeply.

Also Read: Cooperative Learning and Inquiry Method