Laboratory and Problemsolving Methods in Primary Education System

Laboratory is a method we entertain in learning by doing "observation of proceeding from concrete to abstract".It is more elaborative and practical form of inductive method" (Sidhu1967:72)
Pupils do not only listen for information but do something practical. This method combines play and activities .For example when dealing with fractions you can make everybody have one orange which is one whole you ask children to cut into two equal parts
(½+½) this is concrete.
Advantages:It is joyful and interesting for pupils as they do something with own hands as they use materials like oranges above and so on.
It is based on two sound psychological principles "proceed from concrete to abstract learning by doing"
Disadvantages: The method is not mathematical oriented hence does not give any trawning to the pupils
All the mathematics topic are not taught using this method.
Problem solving
A problem is a sort of obstruction or difficulty which has to overcome to reach the good .According to Yoakan and Sumpson "a problem occurs in a situation in which felt-difficulty to act is realised."It may be a purely mental difficult or it be physical and involve the manipulation of data. Think about a problem however is that it impress the individual who meets it as needing a solution.He recognised it as a challenge.."
It guides them on how to check to their results so to have confidence in the answers they obtain for example if you want to calculate 1800÷2=…
Advantages:It is especially suitable for mathematics which is a subject of problem
The learner get valuable social experience like patience ,co-operation and self confidence.
Disadvantages: Teachers burden becomes heavier ,real scientific approach to problem necessitates a lot of study and preparation on hs part.
All the topics and subject areas can not be covered by this method
CLASS: 2nd year infants
CONCEPT:Fractions
SUBCONCEPT:Addition of Fraction
Using the laboratory method on teaching addition to second year infants .
Activity 1
At this stage teacher and pupils discuss what is meant by fractions and types of fractions for instance simple and improper fractions.
Activity 2
Demostrating of Fractions by pupils with concrete objects for example everybody holding an orange divide it into two halves then have½+½ which will sum up to 1
Activity 3
At this stage the teacher show how fractions are add through show working while pupils observe.
Activity 4
Pupils at this stage are given work to do with the help of their objects they have to find different fraction as an exercise.
Activity 5
An explanation by the teacher summing up the addition of both fractions.