Chapter – II

1. Levels of teaching

  • Teaching progresses through different levels based on how students engage with and process new concepts.
  • These levels help educators design effective teaching strategies tailored to students’ cognitive development.
  • Initially proposed by Morris L. Biggie (1976), the framework includes:
    • Memory Level
    • Understanding Level
    • Reflective Level
    • Autonomous Development Level (added later)

1. Memory Level of Teaching (MLT)

Proponent: Johann Friedrich Herbart

Features:

  • Focuses on rote memorization.
  • Involves basic learning where students memorize facts without deep understanding.
  • Examples: Learning the alphabet, multiplication tables, country capitals.

Key Components:

  • Learning the material.
  • Retaining the information.
  • Recalling it when needed.

Objectives:

  • Instill factual knowledge through repetition.
  • Content is simple, structured, and easy to grasp.

Teaching Techniques:

  • Repetition and drill-based learning.
  • Use of visual aids like charts, flashcards, and audio-visual tools.
  • Teacher-driven approach where students passively receive information.

Evaluation Methods:

  • Oral or written tests to check memorization.
  • Objective-type questions are preferred.

Suggestions for Teachers:

  • Ensure content is useful and goal-oriented.
  • Start with simpler materials, progressing to more complex ones.
  • Incorporate memory tricks and visual tools.
  • Organize lessons clearly and systematically.
  • Use frequent assessments to monitor retention.

Movie Connection:
📽️ 3 Idiots – Chatur’s speech showcases rote memorization without comprehension, leading to a humorous mishap.


2. Understanding Level of Teaching (ULT)

Proponent: Morrison

Features:

  • Goes beyond memorizing to foster real understanding.
  • Students grasp concepts and their underlying principles.
  • Example: Instead of just knowing that plants need sunlight, students explore why they need it.

Objectives:

  • Enable students to apply concepts using examples and comparisons.
  • Encourage thoughtful engagement with wider and deeper subject matter.

Teaching Techniques:

  • Lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
  • Use of models, charts, videos, and case studies.
  • Balanced interaction between teacher and student.
  • Active student participation encouraged.

Evaluation Methods:

  • Objective or descriptive tests.
  • Field visits, case study analysis, and project work.

Suggestions for Teachers:

  • Foster a highly interactive environment.
  • Motivate students to explore deeper questions.
  • Use engaging aids to keep students interested.
  • Present information logically to aid understanding.

Movie Connection:
📽️ Om Shanti Om – Sandy studies and practices deeply to understand and emulate Shantipriya, reflecting true comprehension and application.


3. Reflective Level of Teaching (RLT)

Proponent: Hunt

Features:

  • Encourages students to apply knowledge to real-life situations.
  • Focus is on problem-solving, critical thinking, and independent decision-making.
  • Considered the most advanced and thoughtful level.

Objectives:

  • Promote analytical and independent thinking.
  • Develop decision-making and real-world problem-solving abilities.

Teaching Techniques:

  • Student-led activities like debates, case studies, internships, and live projects.
  • Unstructured, dynamic classroom environments.
  • Teacher plays a facilitative, democratic role.

Evaluation Methods:

  • Project-based assessment.
  • Reflective journals, presentations, and creative assignments.

Suggestions for Teachers:

  • Guide students subtly without dominating.
  • Encourage self-directed learning.
  • Provide feedback and foster critical dialogue.

Movie Connection:
📽️ MBA course setting – Students solve real-world case studies, simulating reflective and analytical learning.


4. Autonomous Development Level

Proponent: Morris L. Biggie

Features:

  • Learning occurs naturally, led entirely by the learner.
  • Students pursue topics of interest on their own.
  • Teachers act only as guides, offering support when needed.

Objectives:

  • Cultivate lifelong learners who explore independently.
  • Emphasize internal motivation and curiosity.

Example:

  • A student independently researching a hobby or subject without formal instruction.

Movie Connection:
📽️ English Vinglish – Shashi learns English by enrolling in a course herself, showing self-motivated and independent learning.


Summary Comparison: MLT vs. ULT vs. RLT

LevelFocusExample
MLTMemorizing factsKnowing a lion is a big cat in Africa.
ULTUnderstanding reasonsKnowing why lions roar.
RLTApplying knowledgeThinking about conservation of lions due to human impact.

Q1. Which of the following can be considered as the component of development of ability of critical and logical thinking?

[2024]

(A) To identify the problems

(B) To analyse the problems

(C) To establish subjective truths

(D) To select relevant facts and principles

(E) To draw inferences and conclusions

(1) A and C only

(2) A, B and C only

(3) A, B and D only

(4) A, B, D and E only

Ans: 4

“To establish subjective truths” is not a component of critical and logical thinking, as these thinking styles focus on objective analysis, evidence-based reasoning, and logical evaluation rather than personal beliefs or subjective interpretations.


Q2. Which of the following levels of teaching involves the highest order thinking skills?

[2023]

(1) Memory level

(2) Understanding level

(3) Reflective level

(4) All levels involve similar thinking skills

Ans: 3


Q3. Statement I: Teaching at the understanding level involves encouraging students to think critically and reflect on their learning experiences.
Statement II: Teaching at the memory level involves rote memorization and does not encourage critical thinking.

[2023]

(1) Both Statement I and Statement II are true

(2) Both Statement I and Statement II are false

(3) Statement I is true but Statement II is false

(4) Statement I is false but Statement II is true

Ans: 4


Q4. Statement I: The objective of the memory level of teaching is to develop rational and critical thinking among students.
Statement II: The objective of the reflective level of teaching is the ability to develop independent thinking and decision making among students.

[2023]

(1) Both Statement I and Statement II are true

(2) Both Statement I and Statement II are false

(3) Statement I is true but Statement II is false

(4) Statement I is false but Statement II is true

Ans: 4


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