MODULE 2 - SKILL OF EXPLANATION

SKILL OF EXPLANATION

Prologue

          Microteaching technique rests upon the analytical approach to teaching. Analytical approach assumes that the complex task of teaching can be analysed into limited, but well defined components called ‘teaching skills’. Each of these teaching skills can be taught, practiced, evaluated, predicted, controlled and understood. This module is discussed in detail in the concept of teaching skill. Particularly this module deals about the skill of explaining and its components.

Objectives

          On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

Ø  State the components of skill of explaining;

Ø  appreciate the meaning of skill of explaining;

Ø  Acquires the knowledge of skill of explaining;

Ø  Realize the microteaching process and its significance.

Ø  State the meaning of explaining;

SKILL OF EXPLANATION

A teacher is said to be explaining when he is describing ‘how’, ‘why’ and sometimes ‘what’ of a concept, phenomenon, event, action or condition. It can be described as an activity to bring about an understanding in the learning about a concept, principle. Etc. while explaining the teacher gives.

Ø  Causes for some phenomena, event or action

Ø  Reason for some phenomena, event or action

Ø  Steps involved in arriving at a result or

Ø  Various events that have resulted in phenomena

Explaining bridges the gap in understanding the new knowledge by relating it to the past experience. Thus explaining depends upon the type of the past experience, the type of the new knowledge and the type of the relationship between them. Explanations can be made more effective by using simple and clear language for clarity, examples and illustration materials for better understanding and appropriate link words for relating the concepts.

Components and Description of Skill of Explanation

S.No.	Components	Description of Behaviour
1	Beginning statement	Gaining attention / arousing interest Today we are going to derive / discuss /describe
2	Clarity	ü  State concepts clearly ü  Define new terms and concepts; use simple language, maintain logical sequence. ü  Use suitable examples and illustration ü  Voice modulation to emphasis ü  Develop the explanation from:               Known to unknown. Examples to rule.
3	Fluency	Use simple language / easy flow of ideas / use appropriate vocabulary
4	Use of link words	ü  Use linking words and phrases. Example : therefore, similarly, that is, since, that is why, because, in order to, hence … etc.
5	Planned repetition	ü  Provide summaries to refocus attention ü  Deliberately repeat some important concepts or points.
6	Stimulating questions	ü  Check the understanding by questioning. ü  Stimulate and channelise the students thinking by thought provoking questions like how, why type.
7	Concluding statement	ü  Consolidate the ideas by summarizing. ü  Conclude the explanation by statements like ‘Thus we have proved / so far we discuss’ etc.

Assignment

Ø  Write an episode for skill of explaining in teaching of mathematics.

Ø  Make a PowerPoint presentation for skill of explaining and its components.

FAQ

Ø  What are the components involved in skill of explaining?

Ø  Describe the components of skill of explaining.

Ø  What is the meaning of microteaching?

Ø  What do you mean by planned repetition?

Ø  What do you mean by stimulus questions?

Ø  Which type of question is called as a stimulus question?

Quiz

Micro teaching as a scaled down teaching encounter in

a) Class infrastructure                              b) teaching behaviour

c) Class size and class time                      d) reinforcement

The second step of micro teaching cycle is

a) Replan                                               b) Teaching

c)  Feedback                                          d) Planning    

In the below, which is not related to skill of explaining?

a) Beginning statement                             b) Clarity

c) Fluency                                              d) positive verbal

In the below, which is not related to skill of explaining?

a) Stimulating Questions                           b) Planned Repetition

c) Teacher Gesture                                  d) Use of link words

Glossary

Repetition      =       duplication

Stimulating     =       inspiring

Concluding     =       final

Beginning       =       start

Clarity          =       clearness

Explanation    =       clarification

Epilogue

                     In microteaching the complex task of teaching is looked upon as a set of simpler skills comprising specific classroom behaviour. This helps the teacher trainees in better understanding of the meaning and concept of the term ‘teaching’. This module has attempted to throw some light on the skill of explaining and its components. Explaining skill bridges the gap in understanding the new knowledge by relating it to the past experience. Thus explaining depends upon the type of the past experience, the type of the new knowledge and the type of the relationship between them.