UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

A heuristic method encourages learners to find out things for themselves through exploration, experimentation and problem-solving. Rather than simply telling students the facts, the teacher provides situations that stimulate discovery. This method develops inquiry skills and independent thinking. Hence, a strategy that promotes discovery of facts and relationships on one’s own is accurately termed the heuristic method.

Option A:
Lecture method primarily involves oral explanation by the teacher, with students listening and taking notes. It is efficient for delivering information but offers limited scope for students to discover facts through their own activity. As such, it does not match the discovery-oriented description given in the stem.

Option B:
Demonstration method involves the teacher or a student showing a process while others observe. Although it may stimulate interest, learners are still largely passive watchers rather than active discoverers. Therefore, it does not fully embody the exploration and self-discovery stressed in the question.

Option C:
Heuristic method derives from the idea of “finding out” and places the learner in the role of an investigator. Students engage in experiments, problem situations or inquiries to uncover facts and relationships themselves. This option directly corresponds to the teaching strategy described in the stem.

Option D:
Programmed instruction provides small steps of information with immediate feedback, usually in a pre-planned sequence. While it allows for self-paced learning, the content and path are predetermined rather than discovered through open exploration. Hence, it does not represent the heuristic approach outlined in the question.