Demonstration method

 A teacher presence a task requiring some skill before the students.

Demonstration means showing how something is to be done or not to be done.

The students are combined to observe carefully because they have to describe each and every step of experiment accurately and draw inferences.

Principle.

The method is based on the principle "truth is that which works" 

That is the teacher has to work out something and then only the students believe. Concrete to abstract learning occurs.

This method is especially desirable when

• Apparatus to be used is very costly.
• Experiments involves a slight danger.
• Apparatus is very sensitive and unsuitable for children to handle.
• Several complicated experiments are to be performed sequentially.

Requisites of a good demo

• The demonstration should be planned and rehearsed well in advance.
• All pupils should be able to observe the demonstration.
• Attention must be given to the adequate lightning of the demo table.
• Before demonstration specific instructions for observation and recordings must be given to pupils.
• The pupil should be made familiar with each and every apparatus used for demonstration.
• The apparatus should be arranged in a sequence on the table.
• The pace of the demonstration should be appropriate for effective observation. (Neither too fast nor too slow)
• The teacher should impress upon the students to write what they observe. Sufficient time should be provided for learners.
• There must be an element of curiosity associated with demonstration.
• A black board behind the demonstration table will facilitate in summarising the related principles and key concepts in time.

Merits.

• Economical with time as a teacher alone perform the experiment.
• It is psychologically based because the students are shown concrete things and confirm facts, verify practically.
• Costly and sensitive apparatuss are handled by demonstrator only. So less damage occurs.
• Experiments involving special type of skills and those which are dangerous can be safely shown in class.
• Uniformity of teaching and all learn at common pace. ( Suitable method for all students average below average and above)
• It makes learning situation meaningful and pupil perceives theme in concrete form.

Demerits

• No scope of learning by doing
• Should not relish the joy of direct personal experience.
• No scope of developing the practical skills of pupil as the teacher alone perform the task.
• Slow learners and genius are made to crawl at the same pace. (Method does not provide food for individual differences)

Lecture cum demonstration method

The demonstration method followed by a lecture.

The learner through the observation of demonstration and along with the explanation lecture delivered in the beginning can comprehend the concept more effectively.