The drill lesson is intended for automatization of certain facts, information, habits, attitudes and skills to fix association for permanency or to perfect a certain degree a particular skill. Drills are necessary for mastery of historical facts and information and development of skills in some subject, example: typewriting, shorthand and mechanical activities in a vocational education laboratory. Drills are also needed for training verbal skills as pronunciation of foreign words.

Characteristics of a Good Drill

Mere repetition will not bring mastery of certain facts and information. For repetition to be effective, it must be within the interest and comprehension of the learners. There are certain guidelines to be observed and followed.

Motivation

Motivation arises from the learners' interest and expressed purposes. It is necessary to arouse the learners' sustained effort in the learning activity.

Focalization

A drill lesson requires concentration and therefore, the learners' attention should be specifically focused on the desired habits and skills to be developed. If the teacher drills the class on correct pronunciation, he must see to it that he pronounced the words correctly.

Repetition and Attention

The introduction of new ideas and the utilization of mechanical games are very effective in getting attention, repetition, enjoyment and sustained interest. Games provide thrill and enjoyment and the learners will be induced to participate.

Teaching aids and devices can also provide the much needed interest to break the monotony of repetition. The drill should not be very long.

Application

To test whether the learners profited from the drill lesson, they must be able to apply what they have learned in meaningful experiences.

Principles in Drill Activity

Drill activity can be effective by observing certain principles to be followed.

Utilization of the Principles of Learning

The learners should be properly motivated. They should be ready for the drill of new learning tasks with zeal and active involvement. Reward and praise may be used to enhance performance.

Way of Conducting the Drill

In conducting a drill the teacher should organize the subject matter to be covered and develop a system that is fast, precise and uninterrupted by any form of discussion. He should demonstrate an aura of enthusiasm and dynamism. Paying attention to trivial and irrelevant matters should be avoided.

Standards

Attainable standards such as speed, precision, quality and accuracy are to be considered.

Drill lesson results in establishing correct habits, skills, attitudes and fixed associations. Habits are automatic responses; an acquired behavior pattern regularly followed until it has become almost involuntary. The teacher must develop a habit into a skill.

Drill also results in greater acquisition of knowledge, better retention of facts and information, and improved habits of work.