Inductive & Deductive Method

Inductive & deductive approach of teaching

Induction and deduction are the main forms of logical reasoning.

Inductive approach : 

Induction is the process of arriving at some kind of order, law or regularity from the facts of observed.

That is reasoning from detailed facts to general principles.

Specific observations to broader generalizations it is bottom up approach beginning with specific observations identify the similarity or commonality formulating tentative hypothesis and finally arriving at general principle rule concept.

Eg:

Copper conducts electricity

Aluminium conducts electricity

Silver conducts electricity

Copper aluminium and silver are metals so it leads to the generalization all metals conduct electricity.

HCl changes blue litmus paper to red

HNO3 changes blue litmus paper to red

H2SO4 changes blue litmus paper to red

HCL HNO3 and H2SO4 are acids.

It leads to the generalization all acids changes blue litmus paper to red.

Hear the generalization arrived by logical reasoning on the basis of a number of particular cases that exhibit similarity or commonality.

All inductive inferences are based on the following two assumptions

1. Law of uniformity of nature

That is nature is uniform in her behaviour.

A phenomenon that has taken place in certain circumstances will repeat itself whenever that circumstances occur.

2. Law of causation

Nothing takes place without any reason.

Every phenomenon has a cause or a set of causes.

Steps :

• Presentation of concrete examples.
• Observation of cases under given conditions.
• Finding common relations.
• Arriving at generalization.

Deductive method : 

Here facts are deduced by the application of established generalizations - rule principle law concept.

Deductive approach is confirmatory.

In this method the proceeds from general to specific, abstract to concrete, established principles to their application.

It is a top down approach.

That is starting from generalized accounts pure principle, the narrow down that into more specific hypothesis that we can test through observations.

Is ultimately leads to the testing of hypothesis with specific data. That is is a confirmation of original theory or principle.

Deductive reasoning is useful as it provides a means for linking theory and observation.

Deduction operates through three phases of syllogism

1. Major premise : on which reasoning is based.
2. Minor premise
3. Conclusion

For example:

Noble elements has  octect structure.

Argon is a noble element : minor premise

Argon has octet structure : conclusion

Metal exhibits ductility &

 maleability

Copper is a metal

Copper exhibits ductility & malleability

Inductive method

• Learner proceeds from specific to general.
• Learner themselves discover rule or principle.
• Child attain new knowledge
• Induction is a way of invention
• This method is suitable for the primary classes as it provides opportunity for direct and concrete experience.
• Time consuming process.
• It encourages active participation of students in teaching learning process.

Deductive method

• Learner proceeds from general to specific.
• Learner have to depend on others for confirmation of facts.
• Knowledge is used in a new situation.
• Deduction is a way of imitation
• It is better suited for high school classes.
• It is economical method in terms of time.
• Method makes the student a rather passive participant.

Inductive method is better as it is a method of discovery where as deductive method involves application of the deduced the results.

Inducto- deductive approach which is the combination of two is implemented in classrooms to yield maximum advantage of both.

In this first phase is inductive, the students are made to discover principle or establish a formula or generalization by inductive reasoning and the second phase is deductive.

The above arrived generalization is tested in particular cases and verified or confirmed.