Principles and Methods of Teaching
Principles and Methods of Teaching
A principle is a rule for guiding the ship of education so that it will reach the point designated by
the philosophy of education; it is a compass by which the path of education is directed (L.T. Hopkins).
Types of Principles of Teaching
1. Starting Principles refers to the nature of the child, his psychological and physiological
endowments.
2. Guiding Principles refer to the methods of instruction, or the conglomeration of techniques in
carrying out the educative process.
3. Ending Principles refer to educational aims and objectives.
a. Psychological – growth and development of a child
b. Philosophical – based on the culture of the people
The Inborn Tendencies of the Child
1. Intelligence is the general capacity of an individual consciously to adjust his thinking to new
requirements. It is general mental adaptability to new problems and conditions of life (W. Stern).
- It is the ability to learn in terms of abstract ideas (Lewis Terman)
- It is the ability to adjust to new environment (Colvin)
Thurstone’s Classification of Intelligence
1. Ability to deal with space
2. Ability to solve problems
3. Ability to understand ideas in terms of words
4. Ability to write and talk easily
5. Ability to perform numerical calculation
6. Ability to recognize likeness and differences
7. Ability to recall past experiences
Edward Lee Thorndike’s Classification of Intelligence
1. Abstract is the capacity to respond to symbols, letters, etc.
2. Concrete/Mechanical is the capacity to manipulate and to deal with things such as Art and Music
3. Social is the capacity to deal with other person
2. Emotion is the blending of sensation caused by the profound and widespread changes in the
body.
- is an effective experience that accompanies generalized inner adjustment, and mental and
physiological stirred-up states in the individual and that shows itself in his overt behavior (Crow and Crow)
3. Imitation is the tendency of the child to do according what he sees or observes.
4. Curiosity is the elementary form of interest. It is the starting point of interest and a desire to
discover.
5. Gregariousness refers to the desire of the individual to be with other people because man is
social being.
6. Play is the natural impulse possessed by men and animals. It is an activity which the individual
engages in for the satisfaction of his desires.
7. Collecting and hoarding means the interest in keeping the objects which a child is interested to
possess
8. Competition implies a struggle between two or more persons for the same object or purpose to
equal or surpass others. Rivalry suggests a personal contest for selfish ends, resulting in envy
and jealousy.
9. Manipulation is the natural impulse of the child which involves a skillful or dexterous
management or control of actions by means of intellect.
Multiple Intelligence
The Theory of Multiple Intelligence was developed in 1983 by Dr. Howard Garder. It suggests that
the traditional notion of intelligence, based on IQ Testing, is far too limited. Instead, Dr. Gardner proposes
eight different intelligences to account for a broader range of human potential in children and adults.
• Have a dramatic way of expressing themselves and are creative and expressive in body
movements, such as dancing and mime.
• Report different physical sensations while thinking or working.
• Enjoy activities that working with clay or other tactile experience. (e.g., finger painting).
Students who manifest this type of intelligence should be encouraged to:
• Enroll in an aerobics or dance class
• Learn martial arts like karatedo, judo or taekwondo
• Take lessons in solo sports such as golf, tennis or swimming
• Learn tai-ichi or yoga for physical relaxation and awareness
• Engage in community spots activities
• Play video games that require quick reflexes
• Learn how to massage using acupressure
• Engage in “self-talks”
• Attend retreats
• Read and study biographies of famous personalities
• Start a business understanding
• Develop short and long-term goals and review them regularly
• Share time with people who have a strong sense of self
• Learn a new skill in an area of interest
NATURALIST INTELLIGENCE (Nature smart)
Students with strong natural intelligence love to be outdoors. They show an appreciation for and a
deep understanding of the environment. They:
• Think through nature and natural forms
• Are sensitive to the natural world
• Possess the ability to see connections and pattern of nature
• Love playing with pets, gardening, investigating nature, raising animals carrying for
planet earth.
Students with Natural Intelligence:
• Love the natural environment and talk a lot about favorite pets, or nature sports
• Like nature field trips, to the zoo, or to a natural history museum.
• Show an active interest in ecology, nature, trees, plants, or animals
• Speak out for the rights of animals, or the preservation of planet earth
• Enjoy doing nature projects, such as bird watching, butterfly or insect collections, free
study, or raising animals
• Do well in biological experimentation and in topics that involve living system (e.g.,
science, environmental issues in social studies).
• Have the ability to classify plants and animals
Students who manifest this type of intelligence should be encouraged to:
• Initiate tree-planting activities in the school or immediate environment
• Disseminate information about the dangers of ozone depletion
• Initiate an information drive about the harmful effects of solid wastes
• Go on trips to the forest to become familiar with the different types of trees, herbs and
plants.
• Finds time to visit botanical gardens and zoological museums
• Bring animals and plants for which they will be responsible
Types of Motivation
1. Intrinsic – natural desire of the individual to learn
2. Extrinsic – motivation based on rewards or punishment
Incentives to Motivate Learners
1. School marks
2. Exhibiting good works
3. Game or play
4. Examination
5. Honor roll
6. Emulation
7. Material rewards
8. Punishment
9. Vocational goal
Laws of Learning
1. Law of Readiness – is associated with mind set. It states that when an organism prepared to
respond to a stimulus, allowing him to do so would be satisfying while preventing him would be
annoying.
2. Law of Exercise – constant repetition of a response strengthens its connection with the stimulus
while disuse of a response weakens it.
Law of use – the more frequent a modifiable connections between the situation and the
response is utilized, the stronger is the connection.
Law of disuse – when a modifiable connection between a stimulus and response is not used over
a period of time that connection is weakened.
3. Law of Effect – when a modifiable connection between a stimulus and a response has been
made, it is strengthened if it results satisfaction and wakens if it leads to annoyance.
4. Law of Belongingness – means that the strength of connection is increased if the paired stimuli
possess similarities.
5. Law of Association – a new connection is formed through the association of the past and the
new situation. It is the process of relating two or more experiences to each other.
6. Law of Multiple Response – different reactions/responses are elicited by the same stimulus
7. Law of Frequency – the often the response is repeated the greater is its tendency for its use
when the right situation occurs.
8. Law of Recency – the response which has been exercised and rewarded most recently is the one
which is most likely to occur when the organism is in a given situation.
Factors that Affect Learning
Intellectual – individual’s mental ability level
Learning factors – study habits
Physical factors – disabilities, nutrition, etc.
Mental factors – attitude and one’s beliefs and ideas
Emotional/Social factors
Teacher’s personality
Environmental factors
Use of Audio-Visual Aids
John Amos Comenius (1592-1670) wrote Orbis Pictus Sensualium or the World of Sensible Things
Pictured, a book which is considered as the first on the use of visual aids in classroom teaching.
Device
Device is any means other than the subject-matter itself that is employed by the teacher in presenting the
subject matter to the learner.
Purpose of Visual Devices
1. To challenge student’s attention
2. To stimulate the imagination and develop the mental imagery of the pupils
3. To facilitate the understanding of the pupils
4. To provide motivation to the learners
5. To develop the ability to listen
Forms of Visual Aids
1. Demonstration
2. Field trips
3. Laboratory experiments
4. Pictures, films, stimulations, models
5. Real objects
Classification of Device
1. Extrinsic – use to supplement a method used.
Ex. Pictures, graph, film strips, slides, etc.
2. Intrinsic – use as a part of the method or teaching procedure
Ex. Pictures accompanying an article
3. Material Devices – device that have no bearing on the subject matter
Ex. Blackboard, chalk, books, pencils, etc.
4. Mental Devices – a kind of device that is related in form and meaning to the subject matter being
presented
Ex. Questions, projects, drills, lesson plans, etc.
THE LEARNER
The 20th century has been considered by various experts as the century of the child because so
much has been learned of their nature and development that a lot of children have been greatly improved.
Before the establishment of child-centered schools of Pestalozzi, Herbart and Froebel the child had the
right to listen but not to be heard. However, due to the result of the various studies made regarding the
nature of the child, children now are given the rights and privileges that they should enjoy as legitimate
members of the society. Children are know to be marvelously tough, pliable teachable.
Psychological Characteristics of the Child
a. Children are interest to learn
b. Children need immediate goals (short term goal)
c. Children need routine
d. Play plays a vital role in child development
Needs of a child
Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of basic human needs
1. Physiological needs – hunger, thirst, breathing
2. Safety and security – protection from injury, pain, extremes of heat and cold
3. Belonging and affection needs – giving and receiving love, warmth and affection
4. Esteem and self-respect needs – feeling adequate, competent, worthy, being appreciated and
respected by other.
5. Self-actualization needs – self fulfillment by using one’s talents and potentials
Understanding children’s behavior
Development of positive behavior. Jean Jacques Rousseau (1772-1778) believed that by
nature men are basically good that what makes man evil are the influences of his society. To develop
positive in children, the following must be emphasized:
1. Contribution – children should be encouraged to contribute because this is one way of
showing to them that they are an important part of the group
2. responsibility – children should be encouraged to involve themselves in decision
making, and be made responsible for their own behavior and actions within the limits of
the group.
3. Cooperation – children should be encouraged to resolve problems and difficult
situations through a concerted effort of all the members of the group.
Causes of children’s misbehavior
The American Psychological Association (1993) concluded that a breakdown of family processes
and relationships contributes to children’s antisocial behavior. On the other hand, Thuroton and Benning
(1993) suggested that the following family variables affect the behavior of the child.
1. Parental supervision and discipline – inadequate, too tax, too strict or inconsistent and
erratic.
2. Parents are indifferent or hostile to the child. They disapprove many things about the
child and handed out angry physical punishment.
3. The family operated only partially as a unit, if at all, and the marital relationship lacked
closeness and equality of partnership
4. Parents found it difficult to discuss concerns regarding the child and believed that they
had little influence on the child. They believed that other children exerted bad influence
on their child.
5. The parents have too much expectations about their child.
THE TEACHER AND THE TEACHING PROCESS
The teacher is someone who causes others to learn. He is a person who exerts a considerable
influence in the life of other people specially the children under his care.
The Role of a Teacher
1. Model
2. Classroom manager
3. Facilitator of learning
4. Motivator
5. Evaluator of students’ performance
6. Parent surrogate
7. Counselor
8. Friend
Qualities of an Effective Teacher
K – Knowledge
A – Attitude (Zig Ziglar – your attitude not your aptitude will determine your altitude)
S – Skills
H – Habits
E - Experience
Intelligence
Good health (means sana encorpore sano)
Self confidence (cogito ergo sum)
Affability (Friendliness)
Consideration for others
Educationally qualified (R.A. 7836)
Morally strong
The Needs of Teacher
1. Fair treatment
2. Firmness and understanding from their superiors
3. Positive atmosphere
4. Recognition for their contributions
5. Chance for professional growth
CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT
Classroom management as defined by Good (1959) is the administration or direction of
activities with special reference to problems involving discipline, democratic techniques, use of supplies
and other materials, the physical features of the classroom, general housekeeping and the social
relationships of the pupils and teachers. It can be summarized as the operation and control of classroom
activities.
Principles Behind Classroom Management
1. The teachers should plan activities that are suited to the classroom conditions.
2. The teacher’s disciplinary policies must be in accordance with the school policies.
3. The teachers must observe some routinary procedures to save time and energy (i.e. entering and
leaving the room, passing papers, etc.
4. The teachers must take into consideration the needs and conditions of their students.
5. The teachers must utilize positive rather than negative approach in dealing with children.
Principles Behind Classroom Management
1. The teachers should plan activities that are suited to the classroom conditions.
2. The teacher’s disciplinary policies must be in accordance with the school policies.
3. The teachers must observe some routinary procedures to save time and energy (i.e. entering and
leaving the room, passing papers, etc.
4. The teachers must take into consideration the needs and conditions of their students.
5. The teachers must utilize positive rather than negative approach in dealing with children.
Causes of Disciplinary Problems in the Classroom
1. Teacher’s personality – lack of knowledge of subject matter, poor decision making, etc.
2. Physical factors – health conditions of the child
3. Individual factors – individual differences due to family and community background, etc.
4. Social factors - adjustment to the group
5. Emotional factors
6. School environment
Ways to Improve Classroom Discipline
1. Know your subject matter and be prepared at all times
2. Come to class ahead of your students
3. Call the class to order as soon as the bell rings
4. Follow some established daily routine
5. Check the condition of the class as well as the condition of every pupil
6. Check pupil’s assignments regularly and return their work promptly.
7. Explain to your pupils your expectations of every activity that they will accomplish.
8. Provide adequate time for every activity.
9. Do not threaten your pupils. If threatened, the pupils often feel challenged to see how serious are
you and how far they could go before you carry-out your threats.
10. Have a good sense of humor
11. Compliment your students on worthy contributions
12. Try to involve all pupils to class activities
13. Handle calmly all attempts to distract your attention
14. Always have a contingency plan in case of emergency
15. Never be sarcastic
16. Always consider individual differences in dealing with your pupils
17. Never make a martyr out of a trouble maker.
18. Never punish all your pupils for the fault of one
II. Interpretative
think and search questions
identify character traits, emotional reactions
interpret figurative language
anticipate events
recognize sensory images
sense implied meaning of words, phrases and sentences
III. Critical
give opinions to the selection
discriminate between fancy and reality, fact or opinion
identify assumptions, points of view, author’s purpose and style
determine relevance
weight values presented
IV. Integrative/Application
“tying up” questions
comparing and contrasting old and new ideas gained from reading
Synthesizing ideas learned
Making a different ending
HIERARCHY OF QUESTIONS
Discussed herein is the hierarchy of questions that the teachers usually ask regardless of the
subjects being taught. This hierarchy is based on Benjamin Bloom’s Taxonomy of Educational
Objectives
1. Knowledge (Memory) Questions
Typical Knowledge questions:
1. When was the Katipunan founded?
2. Who founded the Katipunan?
3. Identify the people involved in the Philippine Revolution.
4. Enumerate the demands of the La Liga Filipina.
Keywords: name, tell, list, describe, recall, state, define, identify
2. Comprehension Questions
Train a student to understand oral and written communications and make use of them.
Comprehension questions may be manifested by the students in the following ways:
1. The student can express ideas in his own words
2. The student can separate the essential from the non-essential
3. The student can establish relationships among things
4. The student can extrapolate or predict an event from a trend or pattern.
5. The student can make inferences or give the probable consequences of events.
Typical comprehension questions:
Explain in your own words the El Niño and La Niña Phenomena
Compare and contrast the atmosphere of the Earth and Saturn
Predict what will happen to the Philippines under the Estrada presidency.
Keywords: extrapolate, explain, compare, predict, illustrate, infer, estimate
3. Application Questions
Require the students to transfer what they have learned to new situations with little or no
supervision. The student is expected to put some skills into practice, solve problems and construct
something.
Typical application questions:
1. Which of the following best exemplifies asexual reproduction?
2. How do you express in algebraic equation – the age of the Earth is twice the age of the
moon?
Keyword: demonstrate, plan, solve, apply, build, develop, construct
4. Analysis Questions
Require a student to breakdown an idea into its parts, to distinguish these parts and know their
relationship to one another. The student is able to distinguish relevant from irrelevant data, a fact from
a generalization, an assumption from a conclusion and select facts which are essential to support a
hypothesis.
Typical analysis questions:
1. What part of the essay is the conclusion?
2. What part pr parts support the stated conclusion?
3. What part of the essay is factual and what part is hypothetical?
4. What are the fallacies in the arguments presented
Keyword: classify, distinguish, discriminate, categorize, analyze, detect
5. Synthesis Questions
The student puts together or integrates a number of ideas or facts into new arrangement. Some
common focus of synthesis is the summary of the lesson either written or oral, a proposal, a plan of
action, a short story, or a short play, a bulletin board display, a literary-musical program and the like.
Typical synthesis questions:
1. How can you help improve our economy?
2. What are the alternative crops in order to cushion the effect of the El Niño phenomenon
in our agriculture?
3. What plans can you propose to make the centennial celebration more meaningful?
Keyword: propose a plan, formulate a solution, develop, create, make up, summarize
6. Evaluative Questions
The students appraise, criticize or judge the worth of an idea, a statement or a plan on the basis
of a set of criteria provided to them or which they themselves have developed.
Typical application questions:
1. Is it good for the Filipinos to ratify the VFA?
2. Are you in favor of amending the present constitution?
3. Evaluate the achievements of the Ramos administration.
Keyword: select, judge, evaluate, decide, which do you prefer
Approach
Method
Technique
The “How” Dimension of Teaching