Submitted by Bibitharani K P Physical Science

INTRODUCTION

The word HEURISTIC is derived from the GREEK word HEURISCO meaning I FIND OUT. The method was advocated by Dr. H E ARMSTRONG (1888-1928), professor of chemistry at city and guild institute KENSINGTON.

Children to work and think for themselves.

Based on the principle of LEARNING BY DOING.

PROCEDURE OF HEURISTIC METHOD

Laboratory work is essential for every pupil.

A sheet of instruction concerning the problem is given to every pupil and expected to take observations. Records the observations in the note book. From the observations pupil has to draw his own conclusions or inferences.

PRINCIPLES OF HEURISTIC METHOD

The principle of Activity.

The principle of Logical Thinking. The principle of Proceeding From The Known To The Unknown. The principle Of Purposeful Experience. The principle of Self Thinking And Self Study.

ROLE OF THE SCIENCE TEACHER

For the HEURISTIC METHOD to be fruitful, the teacher should play the following role:

The teacher should help the student search for a suitable problem. The teacher should keep in mind the age, ability and level of the student, along with the facilities available. The teacher should act as a guide and instructor to the students.

Detailed instruction sheets should be given to the students.

The teacher should help in developing values, and attitudes consistent with science, by allowing freedom of thought and action.
Arrangement for supplementing the students knowledge should be made by the teacher.

A gifted teacher should help the students draw inferences from their experiments and observations.

THE ESSENTIAL CONDITIONS FOR HEURISTIC LEARNING ARE:

Freedom of action to the students. Providing a responsive environment. Acquire guidance of the science teacher, when required. Encouragement to be continue learning through HEURISTIC METHOD.

ADVANTAGES OF HEURISTIC METHOD

Imparts knowledge of scientific method of thinking and includes scientific attitude among students. Based on the psychological principle of LEARNING BY DOING.

Individual differences can be catered to, as each student can work at his own pace. Students develop research skills, habits of neatness and patiently attending to details are required. Lays stress on individual practical work, careful observations and independent thinking.

DISADVANTAGE OF HEURISTIC METHOD

Suitable text books are not available. Very uneconomical in terms of time. Teacher will not able to finish her syllabus in the given time. The stress is more on skills than on knowledge.

A suitable infrastructure is needed to follow this method, it is very costly. Can not be used for all classes. Is feasible only with gifted teacher and small classes. Could lead to an imbalance in learning, as knowledge is of secondary consideration.

CONCLUSION:

The real spirit of HEURISTIC METHOD is placing the students in the position of original investigator. According to HERBRT SPENCER- Children should not be told as little as possible and induced to discover as much as possible.

REFERENCE

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Innovative Science Teaching For Physical Science Teachers - RADHA MOHAN Science Education Theoretical Bases Of Teaching And Pedagogic Analysis DR. T K MATHEW & DR. T M MOLLYKUTTY Modern Science Teaching R C SHARMA

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