UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

In the inductive method, teaching begins with specific instances or observations and moves towards generalizations or rules. Learners examine examples, identify patterns and formulate principles. This approach is especially useful in subjects like mathematics and science where rules can be derived from concrete cases. Therefore, presenting examples first and then deriving a general rule illustrates the inductive method.

Option A:
Inductive method emphasizes discovery of rules through analysis of particular cases. When students are led from instances to a general statement, they are engaging in inductive reasoning. This pattern matches the procedure described in the stem, so this option is correct.

Option B:
Deductive method reverses the sequence by presenting the general rule first and then applying it to specific problems. It starts from the abstract and moves to the concrete. Because the stem describes moving from examples to a rule, deductive is not appropriate here.

Option C:
Demonstration method focuses on showing a process or experiment step by step while students observe. Although examples may be used, the primary aim is to illustrate procedures rather than derive rules. Thus, it is not the best label for reasoning from examples to generalizations.

Option D:
Project method centres on student-led work on real-life tasks or projects over an extended period. It involves planning, execution and evaluation of an integrated activity. This method is broader and does not specifically describe the movement from examples to general rules as stated in the question.

The deductive method starts with a general rule, law or principle and then moves to its application in particular cases. When a teacher explains a formula and subsequently asks students to solve specific problems using it, they are employing deduction. This approach helps learners see how abstract statements operate in concrete situations. Hence, the teaching method described in the stem is the deductive method.

Option A:
Heuristic method places students in a situation where they must discover information or principles largely by themselves. The teacher acts as a guide but does not provide rules at the outset. Because the stem explicitly states that the teacher explains a general formula first, the heuristic approach is not being used.

Option B:
Deductive method is characterised by moving from general to particular, or from rule to example. The teacher first states or derives the general formula and then demonstrates its use through specific problems. The sequence given in the question precisely reflects this pattern, making “deductive” the correct choice.

Option C:
Inductive method would require starting from specific problems or observations and then deriving the formula. Since the stem reverses this sequence, inductive reasoning is not being used. Therefore, this option does not fit the described procedure.

Option D:
Project method involves students in planning and executing extended tasks that integrate various skills and subjects. It is less about the sequence of rule and example and more about real-life application. The brief classroom activity in the stem does not constitute a project method scenario.