A teacher has to make use of various kinds of methods, devices and techniques of teaching. A teacher has to make use of a suitable method for making his teaching meaningful, purposeful, interesting and effective. A good method of teaching can bring out good results even from a weak curriculum. On the other hand a bad method of teaching can make a mess of a good curriculum. Therefore, it can rightly be said that success or failure of teaching depends on its methods. The methods of teaching should be according to the needs and interests of learners.
Characteristics of a good teaching method
- It should provide a group of related experiences and activities, arranged on an individual as well as group basis.
- It should give scope for the creative expression of the child’s individuality.
- It should rouse a large range of interest in the minds of the students.
- It should shift emphasis from verbalism and memorization to learning through purposeful, concrete and realistic situations.
- It should train the students in the techniques of self-study and the methods of acquiring knowledge through personal effort or intuition.
- It should stimulate the desire for further study and explorations.
- It should awaken an interest in the materials and techniques used by social scientists.
Factors which determine the selection of a teaching method
- The nature of the child
- The objectives of instruction
- The nature of the subject matter
- Class room environment
- Expertise of the teacher who adopts a method
