Psychological Principles of Teaching is made effective by taking into account
the psychology of the child. These principles are made by keeping in mind the
abilities, aptitudes, capacities and potentialities of the learner. They are
formulated from the student’s point of view only. They would always generate
interest in the child for learning. The desire to learn not only makes his learning
more effective and easier but it also helps him to retain the subject matter in mind
for a longer lime.
These principles include every psychological method which will help to improve
the learning of the child. We can see principle of feedback and reinforcement is
based on the laws of learning where reinforcement has lot of importance. Further
psychology has told that in a group child will always learn better; thus the
principle of utilizing group dynamics has been framed. Similarly, Psychology has
always laid emphasis on rest and, recreation.
General principles are followed by the teachers to make teaching-learning
process effective whereas the Psychological Principles take the help of
motivation of the students. General Principles cover a wide range as compared
to the Psychological principles which work within limited range.
A few Psychological principles of teaching are explained here below:
Principle of Motivation. Teaching is a triple process which involves the
interaction of the teacher, the taught and the subject matter. For this, co-
operation between the teacher and the taught is a must. Now the’ conception of
teaching-learning has changed. It is no longer a process of teaching only. The
emphasis has now shifted from the teacher to the learner. The important thing is
to see whether the learner co-operates, whether his interest is there. The
teacher’s job is to motivate the learner by creating different methods and
techniques of his interest. Motivation, therefore, is of supreme importance, i low
to motivate the learners is the pertinent issue.
The children are interested in their surroundings. The teacher should, therefore,
provide to them relevant material. Some problems linked with their life situations
may be put forth. The learners will try to be inside that problem and make all
efforts to find out its proper solution.
The Students should, therefore, be motivated towards the topic. The teacher has
to teach. It is motivation which will make them interested in the topic and they
actively participate in the class. Better learning on the part of students will be
there if they are motivated towards the topic. Environment of the class can be
changed to break the monotony of the class. Aids can be used for the smaller
children and for the matured students. Previous knowledge testing can be a
potent motivation.
For example, while teaching English grammar, the teacher should first explain
the importance and need of learning English in present day world- how English
can help them choose a better career and how it can be helpful for securing a
good job. In this way, the students will be motivated to learn English well.
Undoubtedly, motivation and interest are the two central factors in any process of
teaching and learning.
Principle of Repetition and Exercise.
The teacher should show again several times what he supposed to teach in the
class so that the learners are able to grasp and understand the subject objective
clearly. It also helps them to retain it in their minds for a longer lie. Exercises for
further practice may also be given as class work or as home assignment.
Practice makes a man perfect. The students will fully grasp a thing when they are
in a position to do it themselves. The teacher who makes use of exercises like
revision, recapitulation, application of what has been taught to the students etc.
can leach the students efficiently.
Principle of feedback
During teaching the teacher should try to give positive Reinforcement to the
students. Some sort of feedback helps the students to learn things better. The
knowledge of results should also be given to the learners side by side and as
quickly as possible. In the classroom situation’s there are some students who
have cramming habits, for to win the attraction of the teachers. The teacher
should be able to judge about tins type of students. There are some other
students who are creative type. He should encourage them to the maximum.
Principle of Sympathy and cooperation
During teaching, the teacher should pass sympathetic altitude and a co-operative
bent of mind. Usually the students are afraid of the teacher. A good teacher is
always kind and tries to understand every student. He shows fatherly affections
and motherly cooperation to his students. Whatever maybe the situational good
teacher remains sympathetic and affectionate.
Principle of self learning:
A god teacher encourages the self efforts made by the students for learning
anything He teaches in such way so that the learners acquire habit of self
learning. The teacher no longer believes in spoon feeding while ‘teaching. He
may start with the lecture method but gradually he takes the students to sell
learning situations. He remains there in the background helping and guiding them
wherever they need some help or guidance.
Principle of group dynamic:
The teacher should understand group-dynamics. He should try to inculcate
among the learners a suitable type of group-behavior. For this purpose he does
his job of teaching in such a way that he Succeeds in making his students well
behaved in every type of situation may be as individuals or in group.The children
learn better in a group. They are also able to develop qualities of tolerance, co-
operation, sacrifice etc. The teacher should, therefore, encourage group learning.
