Lesson 10 Demonstrations in Teaching

                     In the demonstration of a new product, the speaker shows the product, tells all the good things about the product to promote it in order to convince the audience that the product is worth buying.
 A demonstration is a teaching method used with both large and small groups. Demonstrations
become more effective when verbalization accompanies them. For example, in a half
demonstration-half lecture, an explanation accompanies the actions performed. It is a generally
accepted learning theory that the greater the degree of active participation and sensory
involvement by the learner, the more effective learning will be.

                                             Advantages 
Utilize several senses; students can see, hear, and possibly experience an actual event
Stimulate interest
Present ideas and concepts more clearly
Provide direct experiences
Reinforce learning
                                            Disadvantages
May fail
May limit participation
May limit audience/client input
Require pre-preparation


                            

                        Demonstrations are valuable tools for teaching both concrete techniques (skills) and abstract concepts (principles). A good demonstration permits a student to learn by observation, a skill we use innately when learning to talk, walk, and even clap our hands. They can be used to teach techniques like conducting a counseling session, using a computer program, or drawing blood for analysis.