Which of the following are effective strategies to teach new concepts ?
(i) Presenting examples
(ii) Presenting non-examples
(iii) Promoting thinking about relationships amongst concepts.
(iv) Giving a definition and encouraging students to rote memorize it.

Question

Accepted Answer

Option 4, which includes strategies (i) Presenting examples, (ii) Presenting non-examples, and (iii) Promoting thinking about relationships amongst concepts, is the correct answer for teaching new concepts effectively. Here's why:

1. **Presenting Examples (i):** Examples are crucial in teaching new concepts as they provide concrete instances that illustrate the concept in action. By seeing examples, students can better understand how a concept is applied in real-world situations, which aids in comprehension and retention.

2. **Presenting Non-examples (ii):** Non-examples are equally important because they help students understand the boundaries of a concept. By seeing what does not fit within a concept, students can refine their understanding and avoid misconceptions. This strategy helps in distinguishing the concept from similar but different ideas.

3. **Promoting Thinking about Relationships amongst Concepts (iii):** Encouraging students to think about how different concepts relate to each other fosters deeper understanding and integration of knowledge. This strategy helps students build a network of interconnected ideas, which enhances their ability to apply concepts in various contexts and solve complex problems.

Now, let's examine why the other options are incorrect:

- **Option 1 (iii), (iv), (i):** While (iii) and (i) are effective strategies, (iv) Giving a definition and encouraging students to rote memorize it, is not considered an effective strategy for teaching new concepts. Rote memorization does not promote deep understanding or the ability to apply knowledge flexibly. It focuses on surface-level learning rather than meaningful comprehension.

- **Option 2 (i), (ii):** Although this option includes two effective strategies, it omits (iii) Promoting thinking about relationships amongst concepts, which is essential for fostering a deeper understanding and integration of knowledge.

- **Option 3 (i), (iii):** This option also includes two effective strategies but excludes (ii) Presenting non-examples. Non-examples are important for helping students understand the limits and boundaries of a concept, which is crucial for avoiding misconceptions.

In conclusion, Option 4 is the most comprehensive and effective approach to teaching new concepts, as it combines presenting examples, non-examples, and promoting relational thinking, all of which contribute to a deeper and more robust understanding of new concepts.