Dalton Plan

Dalton plan evolved with a view to provide quality education to suit the ability, needs and interest of the learners. 

This strategy was developed by Helen Parkhurst at Dalton High School. USA

In this method learning activities are organised by providing monthly assignments to pupils on each subjects and they have to complete their task within the stipulated period.

Students are free to organise independently the schedule for working out the assignments and to adopt the learning strategy of one's own choice within the allotted time.

The results have to be properly recorded.

Along with individual work, group activities and conferences are organised by the teacher.

The progress of each student is recorded in a separate card meant for him called "Job card".

When the assignments for a month completes, further monthly assignments are given.

Principles of Dalton plan

Principle of freedom :

Pupils are free to work as he thinks & fits. ie freedom to study want a pupil would like to, at a given time.Here traditional curriculum is preserved and ordinary time table method is discarded.

Principle of individual work :

In Dalton plan, no time restriction for doing a piece of work. Each individual are permitted to regulate at their own speed.

Principle of self effort :

The pupil should be active and intelligent participant in his work. Effective learning occurs as a result of self effort and self activity.

Principal of group interaction :

Constant interaction among members of the group is made possible when learners varying in ability work together in the same subject room.

Principle of gestalt nature of work :

The wholesome nature of a particular task enables the pupil to yield better result.

Requisites of Dalton plan

• Subject laboratory
• Specialized subject teachers
• Assignments or contracts
• Records
• Conferences ( to discuss common difficulties or induce something new)

Role of teacher

Teacher as a guide, facilitator & stimulator not a dictator. Important roles are

• Preparing assignments and giving them to learners as and when required.
• Maintaining a good atmosphere of subject rooms.
• Ensuring that each assignment is finished properly
• Keeping the full records of the progress of the learners.
• Keeping subject labs upto date.

Merits

• Teaching is individualized, peoples are permitted to work out there on pace
• Continuity of work is assured.
• Develops qualities like self effort and self reliance which inturn brings self confidence to learner.
• Learning becomes highly motivated and purposeful.
• Develops initiative and resourcefulness.
• Develops desirable study habits like referring books periodicals etc.

Demerits :

• It limits opportunities for group work.
• Impracticable in ordinary schools.