HERBARTIAN APPROACH OF TEACHING
While Herbart emphasized only four steps, i.e. clarity, association, system and
method, his followers modified the four steps. Thus, the five steps are termed as Herbartian
five steps of teaching.
Preparation/Introduction
Some questions are asked from the pupils in order to test their previous
knowledge so that curiosity may arouse in them for learning of new knowledge. By testing
their previous experiences pupils are prepared for acquiring new knowledge.
Statement of aim
Here, the topic becomes clear to the pupils and the teacher himself is supposed to
write the topic on black- board in clear words.
Presentation
The lesson is developed with the cooperation of the pupils. Opportunities are
provided to pupils to learn themselves by stimulating their mental activity. The teacher tries
to receive most of the point from the pupils by questioning so that the new knowledge may
get related to the previous knowledge.
Comparison and Association
In this, the facts, events and application taught are related mutually by
comparison to enable the pupils to understand the taught material. The teacher establishes
a relationship between two subjects and also between the facts and events of one subject
and the facts and events of other subject. The compares them so that the new knowledge
may get stabilized and clarified in the minds of the pupils.
Generalization
Herbart termed this step as ‘system’. After explaining the main lesson, the pupils
are provided with opportunities to think. They formulate such principles and rules which
may be used in various situations of the future life.
Application
In Application it is observed whether the acquired knowledge may be applied to the
new situations. The teacher verifies this by asking recapitulate question or by providing
opportunities to apply the acquired knowledge in the new situations. This stabilizes the new
knowledge and validity of the rules may also be proved.