Principles of teaching

 Principles of Teaching

The teaching principles are the statements of fundamental truth which provides guidelines for effective teaching strategies.

Some major principles of teaching are discussed below.

Principle of activity

This principle states that children are active by nature and any process that is based upon student activity will make learning effective and meaningful. This principle of teaching motivates the learners and makes them active participants

Principle of motivation

This principle demands that the teacher will do his best to motivate all children to learn. Motivation arouses the interest of children and once they become interested they are willing to concentrate and work.

Principle of self education

This principle advocates that the best teaching should enable the child to learn by his own efforts. The teacher's activities must refine the imagination of the students and motivate them to indulge in self activities.

Principle of Individual difference

No two children are alike. This principle states that teaching should cater to the Individual difference of the children.

Principle of remedial teaching 

All students cannot learn with the same speed and accomplishment. Some lag behind and need extra coaching. There can be serious gaps in the cognitive structure of certain pupils and this will stand in the way of further learning. Such difficulties, gaps, deficiencies, etc. should be diagnosed then and there and remedial instruction should be provided.

Principle of planning

Planning determines the quality or success of any task. The principle of planning suggests that the teacher should plan properly before the delivery of the lesson.

Principle of effect

This principle states that a response is strengthened if it is followed by pleasure and weakened if followed by displeasure. The message of this rule to the teacher is evident. Effective learning can be achieved only by making it a pleasurable experience.

Principle of training of senses

Senses are the gateways to knowledge. The power of observation, discrimination, Identification, generalisation and application can be appropriately developed only through the effective functioning of senses. Proper sensory experiences will lead to strong and correct perceptions. Hence the teacher should train the senses and also provide as many sensory experiences as possible.

 Principles of group dynamics

Under the influence of group behaviour appropriate changes in the behaviour of the members of the group can take place. Individuals within a compact and closely linked group may feel, think and act alike. So the teacher should create a suitable climate for the effective functioning of group spirit in the classroom.

Principle of creativity

This principle envisages that every student possesses some element of creativity which must be explored and fostered by the teacher. This could be achieved by providing opportunities that warrant divergent thinking and encouraging pupils to come forward with novel suggestions.

Principle of linkage with life

Teaching can never be performed in a vacuum. It should always be in a social context. All learning experiences should have social relevance as far as possible. These should be correlated to the life of the individual as well as that in the society.

Principle of remedial teaching 

All students cannot learn with the same speed and accomplishment. Some lag behind and need extra coaching. There can be serious gaps in the cognitive structure of certain pupils and this will stand in the way of further learning. Such difficulties. gaps, deficiencies, etc. should be diagnosed then and there and remedial instruction should be provided.

Principle of planning

Planning determines the quality or success of any task. The principle of planning suggests that the teacher should plan properly before the delivery of the lesson.