Ibenäidetele

Ibenäidetele is a term used in Estonian-language educational literature to describe a deliberate strategy of presenting a sequence of examples to illuminate a concept or principle. The approach emphasizes concreteness and progressive complexity, with examples chosen to illustrate core features, boundary cases, and common misconceptions.

Etymology and usage: Derived from the word näide, meaning "example," with the suffix -tele, the term signals an orientation toward exemplification as a primary teaching mechanism. It is not universally standardized; its use varies among authors and disciplines, and some writers frame it as a subset of examples-based learning or inquiry-based approaches.

Method and practices: In practice, ibenäidetele begins with simple, concrete cases, often labeled for clarity. The teacher then introduces variations, edge cases, and non-examples to delineate the concept’s scope. Explanations accompany each example, clarifying why it fits or why it does not, and how the cases connect to formal definitions or underlying principles. Visual aids, analogies, and guided reflection may accompany the sequence.

Applications and limitations: The technique is discussed in mathematics education, language learning, and science communication, where concrete exemplars can support transfer. Critics caution that overreliance on examples can obscure abstract structure or misrepresent generalization; successful use requires careful selection and explicit discussion of limits.

See also: examples-based learning, instructional design, pedagogy.