Deductive Method

Deductive method

Introduction:-

A deductive approach starts with presentation of a rule and is followed by example in which the rule is applied. (Thornbury, 2011:29)

Deductive approach to instruction is more teacher-centered approach. (Goner, Phillips, and Walter 135)

The teacher tells or shows what she wants to teach. This is also referred to as direct instruction.

According to Bob Adamson, “the deductive method is often criticized because:-

1: It teaches grammar in an isolated way;

2: Little attention is made to the meaning;

3: Practice is often mechanical.”

Deductive teaching is a more traditional form of teaching. In deductive teaching you typically provide information (lecture), share specific example of the concept or skill being taught. This is a more teacher centered model of teaching that is rule driven. Some of the positives of method is that is time saving and gets to the point of lesson easily.

Example:-

Ø Writing: for teaching procedure text.

Teacher explains the generic structure and language feature first, and then gives examples, and then gives exercise/student’ activity, finally, students write procedure text.

Ø Speaking: for teaching expression of asking direction.

Teacher explains the expression, then gives the example, and then gives exercise/student’ activity, finally, students speak using the expression.

Ø Listening: for teaching of asking direction.

Teacher explains the expression, then gives the example, and then gives exercise/student’ activity. Implementation of reading skill makes the students understanding the generic structure and text type.

For example, if the structure to be presented is present perfect, they would begin the lesson by saying,

“Today we are going to learn how to use the present perfect structure.” Then, the rules of present perfect structure would be outlined and the students would complete the exercises, in a number of ways, to practice using the structure. In this approach, the teacher is the center of the class and is responsible for all of the presentation and explanation of the new material.

Advantages of deductive method:-

1: It can be more effective with students of the higher level.

2: It can be time saving.

3: A number of direct applications are immediately given.

4: A number of rules aspects (for example, form) can be more simply and clearly explained then elicited examples.

Disadvantages of deductive method:-

1: Lack of students’ involvement and struggle for understanding.

2: Younger learners may not able to understand the concept.

3: The explanation is seldom as memorable as other forms of presentation (for example, demonstration).

Some guidelines for when the rule is presented. (Thornbury, 1999)

1: the rule should be true;

2: the rules should show clearly what limits are on the use of a given form ;

3: the rules need to be clear;

4: the rules ought to be simple;

5: the rules needs to make the use of concept already familiar to the learners; and

6: The rules ought to be relevant.

Most importantly, when the rules are presented in the deductive approach, the presentation should be illustrated with examples, be short, involve student’s comprehension and allow learners to have a chance to personalize the rule.

Conclusion:-

Deductive approach

(Rule –driven, top-down):

General Rules→ specific examples→ practice