Didactics is a theory of teaching, and in a wider sense, a theory and practical application of teaching and learning. In demarcation from “mathetics” (the science of learning), didactics refers only to the science of teaching. It focuses on to empty the interaction of learning and reduce the cognitive demand for the student.
Didactic Technique
This technique is applicable only in certain situations, but is an excellent method when such a situation exists. The type of problem should be such that it results in a yes-no solution. For example, the decision may be to buy or not to buy, to merge or not to merge, to expand or not to expand and so on. Such a decision requires an extensive and exhaustive discussion and investigation since a wrong decision can have serious consequences.
Since, in such a situation, there must be advantages as well as disadvantages of either of the two alternatives, the group required to make the decision is split into two sub-groups, one favouring the “go” decision and the other favouring the “no go” decision.
The first group lists all the “pros” of the problem solution and the second group lists all the “cons”. These groups meet and discuss their findings and their reasons. After the exhaustive discussions, the groups switch sides and try to find weaknesses in their own original viewpoints. This interchange of ideas and understanding of opposing viewpoints results in mutual acceptance of the facts as they exist so that a solution can be built around these facts and opinions relating to these facts and thus a final decision is reached
