Inductive Method in Teaching

In terms of student participation, the inductive method should be described under guided or exploratory approach, for contrast and better understanding, it is discussed right here after the deductive method.

The Inductive Method

Instead of the teachers giving the rule in adding similar fractions at the outset, she will give them at least five examples of added similar fractions at one time. Ask the pupils to study the examples then ask them to explain how she arrived at the sums. From there, she will ask the pupils to state the rule in adding fractions. She shows to the class the economic Map of the Philippines then ask the class to ‘study it with special attention on geographical features and economic products. To guide them in their analysis she will ask them questions like what is the occupation of people who live by the sea? What about those that live in spacious plains? What is their Main livelihood? Do these people from different locations engage in the .same occupation? What generalization can you draw about the relationship between geographical features of a place and peoples’ means of livelihood?

Another example is to examine an animal and find out the parts of the body. It has a backbone. The dog has a backbone. The fish and the frog also have backbones. Then, the dog, fish and frog are vertebrates.

Advantages of the Inductive Method

1. The learners are more engaged in the teaching-learning process. With our facilitating skills, the learners formulate the generalization or rule.
2. Learning becomes more interesting at the outset because we begin with the experiences of our students. We begin with what they know.
3. It helps the development of our learners’ higher-order thinking skills (TS). To see patterns and analyze the same in order to arrive at realizations requires analytical thinking.

Disadvantages of the Inductive Method

1. It requires more time and so less subject matter will be covered. We need much time to lead our students to the formulation of generalizations.
2. It demands expert facilitating skills on the part of the teacher. We’ve got to ask the right questions, organized answers and comments to pave the way to the derivation of generalizations or principles.