Understanding Morrison's Steps in Teaching

The question asks us to arrange the five steps of the understanding level of teaching according to H.C. Morrison in the correct ascending sequence. Morrison proposed a model for the understanding level of teaching which involves specific steps designed to help students achieve mastery of the subject matter.

Morrison's Steps of Understanding Level

Morrison's model for the understanding level of teaching consists of five distinct steps. These steps follow a logical progression aimed at ensuring students not only remember facts but truly grasp the concepts, principles, and generalisations related to the topic. The standard sequence of these steps is:

1. Exploration
2. Presentation
3. Assimilation
4. Organisation
5. Recitation

Explanation of Each Step

• Exploration (E): This initial step involves the teacher assessing the students' prior knowledge, understanding, and experiences related to the topic. It helps identify their readiness and any potential difficulties they might face. The teacher also introduces the topic and motivates students.
• Presentation (C): In this step, the teacher presents the subject matter to the students. This is where the main content, concepts, and principles are introduced clearly and systematically. Various teaching aids and methods can be used for effective presentation.
• Assimilation (B): This is a crucial step where students actively engage with the presented material to understand it deeply. It involves activities like studying, reflecting, discussing, experimenting, and solving problems. The goal is for students to internalise the information and make it their own. The teacher acts as a facilitator during this phase.
• Organisation (A): After assimilation, students are guided to organise the knowledge they have acquired. This involves structuring the content logically, creating summaries, outlines, or mental maps. It helps students see the relationships between different parts of the topic and consolidate their learning.
• Recitation (D): This is the final step where students are given the opportunity to express their understanding and knowledge. They might present the topic in their own words, answer questions, summarise key points, or demonstrate their learning in some way. This step helps reinforce learning and allows the teacher to evaluate the level of understanding achieved.

Arranging the Given Steps in Sequence

Now let's match the given labels (A, B, C, D, E) with Morrison's steps and arrange them in the correct ascending order:

Based on the standard sequence (Exploration, Presentation, Assimilation, Organisation, Recitation) and the labels provided, the ascending sequence is:

E (Exploration) → C (Presentation) → B (Assimilation) → A (Organisation) → D (Recitation)

So the correct sequence of labels is E, C, B, A, D.

Revision Table: Morrison's Steps

Additional Information: Levels of Teaching

Morrison's model is part of the understanding level of teaching. In education, teaching is often categorised into different levels based on the cognitive abilities they aim to develop in students. The three main levels are:

• Memory Level: This is the lowest level, focusing on recall and recognition of facts, concepts, and information. Herbart is associated with this level.
• Understanding Level: This level goes beyond memory, focusing on grasping meaning, relationships, and principles. It involves interpreting information, explaining concepts, and seeing connections. Morrison's model is a key framework for this level.
• Reflective Level: This is the highest level, focusing on critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent inquiry. It involves analysing, synthesising, evaluating, and creating. Bigge and Hunt are associated with this level, often linked to the problem-solving approach.

The understanding level acts as a bridge between the basic memory level and the higher reflective level, ensuring students develop a deeper comprehension of the subject matter.