Demonstration Method in Teaching

A demonstration is a learning activity that is performed by a student, a group of 3 to 4 members or a teacher while the rest become observers. This approach is employed in presenting lessons that use sophisticated equipment and technical know-how. Materials that are not easily available or expensive are used sparingly in a demonstration. The demonstrator is knowledgeable in preparing the apparatus needed according to the steps to be followed. The rest of the class becomes focused on the activity and concentration on the subject is assured.

Guidelines for Its Effective Use

Before

1. The demonstrator/s must be well-selected. They must be skilled in operating modem equipment and proficient in undertaking scientific investigations.
2. When planning the activities make sure that the materials are easily available. Likewise, get prepared with possible substitutions.
3. Get ready with the equipment and tools to be used. It should be scheduled as today and class period.
4. The demonstrator must try several times before the activity for a smooth sequencing of the steps as well as the accuracy of the results.
5. The observers must be prepared and motivated to ensure concentration throughout the activity.
6. The demonstrators must be ready with on-the-spot revisions such as alternative steps or subStitute materials when needed.
7. Arrange the observers around the demonstration area or at a distance where they will be able to observe fully what is going on.
8. Depending on the kind of demonstration to be undertaken, pointers or questions may be given to focus their attention and avoid irrelevant observations.

During

1. The place must be quiet in order to sustain the observers’ attention and interest during the activity.
2. Extreme care must be taken in performing some delicate steps such as precision, timing for every step, and measuring accurately using the standard instrument.
3. The activity must not be interrupted by unnecessary announcements or noise in the surroundings.
4. They are allowed to take down short notes or record some data which may be analyzed after.

After

1. Allow some questions which bothered them during the demonstration. It might necessitate clarifying a step that was not performed well or a set of data missed.
2. An examination of the observed data and all information re-corded follows.
3. Have an analysis of trends, patterns or uniform occurrences that can help in arriving at a conclusion.
4. The conclusion or summary must be cooperatively undertaken by the whole class.
5. Assess learning by way of a short test, an oral evaluation or a performance of one of the steps.

Advantages

1. It follows a systematic procedure, hence students will be able to learn from a well-tried procedure since the demonstrators are selected and adjudged to be skilled.
2. The use of expensive equipment and machines will be maximized.
3. Possible wastage of time, effort, and resources will be avoided since the demonstration is supposed to be well-planned in advance.
4. It will not result in trial-and-error learning as what happens with unplanned learning activities.
5. The findings are reliable and accurate since the procedure has been tried before.
6. The value of confidence is developed among the demonstrators for such hands-on demonstration.
7. Curiosity and keen observing ability are instilled among the observers.