Lesson 4: Deductive vs. Inductive

Teachers have two main ways to show students how a language works:

1. Deductive: Rule First

You tell students the rule clearly. Then, they practice using it. It is direct and fast.

2. Inductive: Example First

You show students examples first. They look at the examples to guess how the rule works. It is more hands-on.

The "Middle Path": Discovery

You can also help students find the answer themselves:

• Modified Deductive: You give clues to help them find the rule, then you tell them the rule before they practice.
• Modified Inductive: You let them practice first, then help them explain the rule after they have tried it.