The Power of Explanation: Understanding the Expository Method Of Teaching
The expository method of teaching is one of the most popular methods of teaching and is used worldwide.
What is the Expository Method of Teaching?
It is a direct instruction strategy where teachers present information in a very structured and organised way, helping students understand the concepts and master the subject matter. In this method, there is an expert (an instructor, teacher, educator, etc.) who explains the concepts to students.
However, the expository method of teaching goes much beyond just giving information; it involves the teacher providing clear and concise information that makes it easy for the students to comprehend and retain the concepts.
A good example of using the expository method for teaching would be demonstrating a science experiment to the students. The teacher performs the experiment and teaches about the reactions and what to conclude from that. This helps students learn the concept thoroughly.
Theoretical Framework
In expository teaching, students are directly presented with concepts, information, and ideas through explanation and demonstration.
“The most important single factor influencing learning is what the learner already knows.” – David P. Ausubel
David P. Ausubel’s theory of learning states that people gain new knowledge by connecting it to what they already know. The statement shows the importance of existing knowledge and implies that it is equally important as learning something new. This is because the learning will be incorporated into the existing knowledge structure.
Ausubel claims that schemata are hierarchical representations (or stores) of knowledge; general concepts are at the top, and sub-concepts branch out to form a tree below.
For example, we teach general concepts of numbers and alphabets in primary school. In later grades, we teach students how to do basic operations like addition, multiplication, subtraction, and division. Then comes more complex equations, and so on. He added that learning will only happen when there are similarities and connections between past and new concepts.
Characteristics of Expository Teaching
The expository method of teaching has proven effective and influential in the educational field. Teachers all over use this method of teaching, and a few distinct characteristics of expository teaching are:
- The teacher has to present new information in a meaningful and easy-to-comprehend manner, keeping in mind the capability of the students.
- The expository method of teaching focuses on clear communication and organisation of ideas.
- The structure of knowledge is important. Basic concepts should be followed by deeper and more complex concepts, which will make understanding each concept easier.
- This method emphasises the need to integrate new information with prior knowledge.
- When the expository teaching technique is used effectively, it helps students to understand established knowledge in all subjects.
- The expository method focuses on higher-order thinking rather than just factual recollection of information.
Also Read: 27 Effective Teaching Methods & Strategies
Advantages of the Expository Method of Teaching
The expository method of teaching is one of the most preferred and popular methods for teachers across the world. There are many advantages of the expository method of teaching:
1. Time Efficiency
Using the expository method of teaching, teachers can convey a lot of information in a limited time, which also allows them to cover the entire syllabus. They can effectively communicate and pass new knowledge to students.
2. Holistic Understanding
With expository teaching, students get a comprehensive overview of the subject, which helps make their verbal learning and understanding more meaningful and holistic.
3. Focus on Knowledge and Comprehension
This method focuses on knowledge and improved understanding of the concepts, and it is suitable for all subjects. It is also very effective for foundational learning, as the main objective is targeted learning and ensuring students grasp all the concepts clearly.
4. Versatility Across Subjects
The expository method of teaching can be used for all subjects and at all educational levels, from elementary to higher education, making it the most preferred choice for teachers.
Limitations of the Expository Method of Teaching
With the many advantages, there are a few limitations of the expository method of teaching:
1. Passive Learning Environment
In the expository method, most communication is one-way, as the teacher is usually talking and teaching. So, the students play an almost passive role and rely on what the teacher is teaching rather than actively engaging with the material.
2. Encouragement of Rote Memorization
Sometimes, this method can be counterproductive if students start rote memorising lessons instead of understanding the concepts. This can limit their conceptual learning and critical thinking skills.
3. Ineffective for Higher-Level Objectives
A big limitation of the expository method of teaching is that it is only about passing information. It is less effective for higher-level objectives like analysis, evaluation, and creativity. Due to this, students may not be able to develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills very effectively.
4. Dependency on Teacher Guidance
Excessive use of the expository method may lead to students becoming overly dependent on their teachers for all information and guidance. This overdependence can limit their ability to learn independently, take initiative, and solve problems independently.
5. Stifling Creativity
The expository method of teaching is very organised and structured, so there is little room for students to explore their creativity and experiment. So, it can become a little monotonous and boring for students.
6. Inappropriateness for Lower Levels
Younger children learn more from activity-based teaching, interactive classroom sessions, and exploratory learning approaches, so this method may not be very effective for elementary and secondary students.
Some Other Effective Teaching Methods for Teachers
Get in TouchConclusion
Teachers who use the expository method of teaching ensure that they pass knowledge to students in a way that allows them to easily make the connections between concepts. Since it is quicker and more effective than discovery learning, expository teaching is more common. Expository teaching is an effective way of teaching and passing information to students in a variety of subjects. Students do not have to spend a lot of time rediscovering everything on their own.
When students make an effort and actively try to include new information into their existing knowledge, expository teaching becomes more meaningful. The core of the expository teaching method is clear communication, organised ideas, integration of new and old learning, and assessment that is focused on conceptual understanding rather than testing mugged lessons.
Last Updated on January 21, 2025