It is a method of reasoning by which concrete applications or consequences are deducted from general principles or theorems are deduced from definitions and postulates. “All the green apples are sour in taste” The child may be told that he should never eat the green apple because they are sour. Afterwards he may verify this fact by tasting green apples.
Principles of Deductive Method
It is proceeding from Abstract to Concrete, General to Particular, and Formula to Examples. Students are given formula/rules/laws/principles directly.
Examples of deductive method
a) We have an axiom that “two distinct lines in a plane are either parallel or intersecting” (general). Based on this axiom, the corresponding theorem is: “Two distinct lines in a plane cannot have more than one point in common” (Specific).
b) We have a formula for the solution of the linear simultaneous equations as and (general). The students find the solutions of some problems like based on this formula (specific).
Merits of this method
– Time Saving Method
– Suitable to all topics
– Suitable to all Students
– Glorifies Memory
– Useful at Revision Stage
– Speed and efficiency
– Mostly Used at Higher Stage level
Demerits of this method
– Not a psychological Method.
– No Originality and Creativity
– Blind Memorization
– Educationally Unsound.
– Students are Passive Learners.
– Reasoning is not clear
