Question

A teaching approach to problem solving, learning, or discovery that employs a practical method not guaranteed to be optimal or perfect, but sufficient for the immediate goals is known as
1. Project method
2. Heuristic method
3. Discovery method
4. Supervised study

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : Heuristic method

Heuristic method

• Heuristic Method of Teaching is a self-discovery approach, propounded by 'H.E. Armstrong'.
• In this method, the student is put in the place of an independent discoverer.
• Heuristic method makes the process of problem-solving and decision making quick and efficient by:
  • emphasizing the active involvement of learners.
  • promoting the use of critical and imaginative thinking.
  • raising problems before students to activate their thinking power.
  • enabling students to acquire knowledge by discovering the facts themselves.
• Through this method, the student learns the reason for himself. The teacher is not even required to guide, help, or encourage the student.
• This method helps in the development of a scientific attitude in the learner.
• It develops self-confidence, originality, independence of judgment, and thinking power in the learner to make him an ever successful student. 
• While using this method, the teacher should present every lesson to learners in the form of an inquiry.
• Learners are asked to identify the problem and work as independent enquirers.
• They can discuss with their peers, teachers, and others before starting their investigations. The teacher may provide them with some written instructions like what should be followed and what should be avoided.
• Learners are asked to keep the record of each and every step and show it to teachers after finishing their investigation.
• Despite the fact that this method allows the learner to become an active participant in the learning process, it creates in the learner a spirit of inquiry. It makes the learner self-reliant, allows the learner to acquire a real understanding and clear notion of the subject.