Buddhist Teaching Method and Child-Centered Learning

Abstract

The purpose of this article was to study Buddhist teaching method and child-centered learning. Buddhist teaching methods of the Buddha were 1) conversation 2) lecture 3) answering question and 4) regulation. The four styles of teaching were 1) Sandassana (elucidation and verification), 2) Samadapana (inspiration towards the goal), 3) Sumuttejana (encouragement) and 4) Sampahamsana (gladdening). The Buddha considered content before teaching. Teaching was performed from easy to difficult lessons. Using reasons that learners could understand and the reasons were the most useful for them. Giving examples, comparison with figure of speech, using teaching aids, demonstration in order to make the listeners delight, enjoy, not bore. The Buddhist teaching methods conformed to child-centered learning which learners constructed self-knowledge. The learners did important roles in learning. Encouraging learners to work with others and to apply knowledge in daily life. The teachers were the facilitators who set learning experience and gave advice closely.