1 Answers
Option 1 : Based on the principle of learning by doing
Laboratory method: In the laboratory method students perform laboratory experiments by their own hands individually or in small groups, under the supervision and guidance of their science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) teacher. So, here students are more active and involved as compared to the lecture-demonstration method, where the teacher was performing experiments and most of the students in the class were just passive observers.
The role of the teacher when using this method in teaching science is that of a facilitator. The teacher goes to different individuals or small groups, observes them what they are doing, corrects them if they are doing something wrong, and he is always available to students when they really need him for any guidance.
Advantages of the laboratory method
- Based on the principle of learning by doing.
- It offers the opportunity to handle material by their own hands.
- It lets students learn to follow directions carefully.
- It lets learn skills in performing experiments, recording observations and results, summarizing data and drawing conclusions.
- It offers the opportunity for critical thinking, scientific attitude, and scientific temper.
- It gives the opportunity of training in the scientific method and investigatory science projects.
Disadvantages of the laboratory method
- More expensive as separate equipment is to be provided to each student
- Difficult to schedule in the school time table as double periods are to be provided in groups
- More time consuming compared to a lecture cum demonstration method as students are unskilled workers and are note as competent to handle as apparatus as their teachers
- Not suitable for lower classes
Hence, we conclude that the laboratory method is based on the principle of learning by doing.