The main features of demonstration and discussion method are as
follows:
(i) The demonstration and discussion method is not a single
method. It is combination of two methods, more clearly a resultant method
resulting from the combination of discussion method as well as demonstration
method.
(ii) This method involves the active participation of teachers
and students at the same time, which is unlikely in other methods. Say in
lecture method, the teacher is active, in laboratory work and in Heuristic
method; students are active and so on.
(iii) Demonstration and discussion method of teaching science
encourages maximum amount of participation among students than other methods.
(iv) Demonstration and discussion method through group
participation develops keen observation power and scientific reasoning in
students, which is not possible either in lecture method or in Heuristic
method.
(v) Demonstration and discussion method is the only method in
which the interest and zeal of students is maintained.
(vi) Demonstration and discussion method develops skill in
scientific thinking. These are some of the main features of demonstration and
discussion method.
The Advantages and
Disadvantages of the Method are discussed Below:
Advantages:
(1) This method is economic from the point of view of money and
time.
(2) The method obeys the rule of “learning by doing”, what the
students do or see they learn. So this method is very much psychological.
(3) It is
useful when the apparatus required for practical work is costly. There the
teacher can improvise the apparatus and demonstrate it.
(4) If the teacher wants to revise some of the principles of
science subject, he can do it by demonstration and discussion method.
(5) Through this method free discipline is maintained.
(6) This method develops skill in handling apparatus,
freethinking and co-operative spirit among students.
Disadvantages:
(1) If demonstration and discussion method is not properly used,
then all students do not get a chance to take part either in discussion or in
experimentation. Thus, the principle of ‘Learning by doing’ is not abided by
this method.
