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Imagine an English classroom where the topic of discussion is figures of speech. The teacher first explains what they are. The learners are then expected to answer practice questions, identifying all the figures of speech in a passage. We know this as the deductive teaching method.
There may be another classroom where the approach is flipped. The teacher and students start out by reading a passage together. They then pick out all the different metaphors and similes. Then learners identify the rules around these through reasoning, with the teacher providing guidance and scaffolding so they come to the correct conclusions and cover the relevant points. We know this as the inductive method of instruction.
The deductive approach in teaching is a teacher-centric strategy, while the inductive approach is more student-centric. Let’s take a closer look at the deduction method of teaching and what it means.
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What Is The Deductive Teaching Strategy?
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Advantages Of The Deductive Method
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Disadvantages Of The Deductive Method
What Is The Deductive Teaching Strategy?
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word deductive as: “of, relating to, or provable by deriving conclusions by reasoning: of, relating to, or provable by deduction”. This is the heart of the deductive teaching strategy.
The deductive approach in teaching follows a few steps familiar to a traditional classroom. These are:
- They present a rule or generalization to the class
- This rule is used to study illustrative examples
- Students examine this through reasoning
- They use this information in practice to reinforce their learning
As we can see from deductive method of teaching examples, this approach can achieve results. But it isn’t always the method of choice for modern educators because it supposes that the teacher is the one who holds the knowledge and then passes it down to students. In a student-centered approach, learners are encouraged to think independently and arrive at their own conclusion based on observable facts. This leads to greater potential for creative solutioning and is one of the Top ‘X’ Teaching Skills Every Teacher Should Know.
But first, let’s look at some advantages of the deductive teaching method.
Advantages Of The Deductive Method
Though the deductive method of teaching may have fallen out of favor in recent years, it still has its time and place. Here are some of its advantages:
1. It Suits The Topic
Sometimes, the knowledge being imparted lends itself to the deductive method. If you are teaching a concept where the rules are clear, the classroom might benefit from a teacher-led explanation, followed by further exploration. For instance, if young children are learning long division, an explanation and demonstration for the students may go a long way in helping them understand the process. In deductive method of teaching examples, it can be useful as the sole method or as part of a multi-dimensional approach.
2. It Suits The Learner
Some learners, too, may benefit from this method. The inductive approach is very energy intensive for the learner, and some may need more of a roadmap than others. But it’s important to remember that even this isn’t true in all contexts. It’s equally possible that a strong inductive learner in one subject might prefer another teaching approach for another subject.
3. It’s Efficient
If speed is a priority, the deductive teaching method is an efficient way of communicating. By providing students with the information they need to learn, teachers can deliver the required material. Once the students understand the theoretical aspects, they’ll reflect on the information, troubleshoot and dive deeper.
As we can see, the deductive approach can provide good learner outcomes. It’s also widely used, often in combination with inductive methods.
Disadvantages Of The Deductive Method
As knowledge of how people learn advances, educators have moved away from solely deductive to including more inductive teaching strategies. Let’s look at why:
1. It’s Top Down
It’s a teacher-centric approach. This assumes that the teacher is the source of knowledge, and the learners are passive vessels for this. In student-centric approaches to learning, the inherent knowledge, skills and intellect of the learners is assumed at every age. Teachers provide the scaffolding they need to explore the information at their own pace and in their own way.
2. Not Right For All
Not all learners learn in a deductive way. The deductive method of teaching is commonly preferred in traditional educational organizations, but not all learners benefit from it. For some, it’s necessary to come to the knowledge themselves to assimilate the information effectively.
3. Limits Learner Scope
It stifles original thinking. When we convey information with a top-down approach, it may discourage learners from asking questions or expressing their own understanding. This can be to the detriment of the individual learner, but also to their peers, who learn from one another and not just from the instructor.
The methods of teaching are constantly adapting and evolving. What methods can you use to inspire and inform your students? Harappa’s Inspiring Faculty Program is an application-oriented, blended curriculum that helps educators build skills and techniques to deliver their content in a clear and impactful way. You’ll learn innovative teaching techniques that inspire learners and bring the best educator out in you.
