The Study Method can be used whenever learners, mainly by their own efforts, are required to obtain information given directly in material provided or produced in the course of the lesson. The information to be noted is readily perceived. In other words, the Study method involves the learner in the observation and recognition of data which is presented as the object of study. Inferences, which may occur incidentally, will be dealt with as they arise.

 1. Material Suitable for the Study Method

•  The Real Thing This material involves the learner in a firsthand experience. Natural Science lessons with adequate specimens or any organised excursion fit into this grouping.
•  Pictorial Material This includes pictures, photographs and projected pictures (slides, strip films, video and movies) and computer related media such as CD-ROM, DVD and the Internet. Such material involves the learner in an experience closely allied to the first-hand experience of studying the real thing.
•  Written Material may provide useful information for a wide range of subjects: e.g , Social Studies, English Prose and Verse, Mathematics, Company Policy etc.
•  Structured Materials or a Structured Situation using, for example: Cuisenaire rods, musical notation, models, scientific equipment, maps, etc. 

2. The Requirements of this Method

•  Adequate Material for both free and directed observation. Sufficient suitable materials must be organised so that each student pursues effective study
•  Preparation for the Study Situation which may involve the setting up of materials in Science and Mathematics; explanation of requirements including the presentation of questions and the checking of vocabulary etc.
  •  In many situations, observations will be guided by the teacher's instructions rather than by questions. The instructions can be restrictive and prescriptive or relatively free and open. Where questions are presented to the class as a whole, care must be taken to ensure that the students fully understand both the questions and the procedures for finding the answers.
  •  Questions may be specific or general, closed or open-ended, given by the teacher, decided upon by the whole class, or determined by the studentss individually. '
•  Time without Interruption, while the student observes and seeks answers to the questions. The teacher should be available to give individual help and encouragement, but must not disturb the other students studying. Individual recordings of findings may be involved.
• Consideration of the Students' Findings. Discussion of observations may involve some or all of the following:
  • Having students report their findings.
  • Collection, collation, tabulation, comparison and restructuring of the findings of various students.
  • Extension of students' observations by questioning to ensure full recognition of what is present, if this is necessary.
  • Further periods of observation to verify findings.
•  Summing Up. This may involve a simple unifying statement, to assist memorisation, to emphasize the significance of what has been found and, possibly, to provide a record.

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In its most complete form the Study Method will involve:

 Step 1. Preparing the class for study.

Step 2. Observing and seeking findings.

Step 3. Considering findings.

Step 4. Summing up.

 

Note:  In many lessons, the Study Method will be integrated with other basic methods.  The Study Method in whole or part will be used frequently in conjunction with the Reasoning Method, either within or preceding it.  If a lesson involves a sequence of observations, Steps 2 and 3 of the Study Method may be repeated a number of times.  In Step 2, observation may be free and/or directed, and a consideration of findings may follow each type of observation.

A typical pattern for a Study Lesson involving free and directed observation will involve:

 Step 1. Preparing the class for study.

 Step 2. Free observation

 Step 3. Free consideration of f`indings.

 Step 4. Directed observation and consideration of findings.

 Step 5. Summing up.