Describe the role and function of instructional materials and teaching aids
Answers
Answer:
Teaching aids (TAs): Teaching aids are objects (such as a book, picture, or map) or device (such as a DVD or computer) used by a teacher to enhance or enliven classroom instruction (Merriam-Webster). They could be audiovisual teaching aids such as videos and guest lectures or tactile like 3D models.
Instructional materials (IMs): Instructional materials are defined as resources that organize and support instruction, such as textbooks, tasks, and supplementary resources (adapted from Remillard & Heck, 2014). It refers to the human and non-human materials and facilities that can be used to ease, encourage, improve and promote teaching and learning activities. They are whatever materials used in the process of instruction (IGI global). The great Soviet encyclopedia defines IMs as educational resources used to improve students’ knowledge, abilities, and skills, to monitor their assimilation of information, and to contribute to their overall development and upbringing.
What are teaching aids?
Broadly speaking, any device that helps teach can be called a teaching aid. These devices can be traditional items such as blackboards and flannel boards as well as modern devices such as tablets and projectors. Scientific tools such as telescopes and microscopes could also be used as teaching aids in a given context. Two overarching common factors between most teaching aids: mediums that promote sensory engagement and stimulation.
Examples based on classification systems:
Classification 1:
Non-electronic – Chalkboards, flip boards, slates, photos, telescopes,
Electronic – Powerpoint slideshows, videos, Augmented reality/Virtual reality goggles, AV-room equipment
Classification 2:
Auditory: radios, tape recorders, CD players
Visual: Slides, projectors, digital screens
Audiovisual– Youtube content, Vines (yes, they are helpful), Ted Talks, Live streams, documentaries
Audiovisual and tactile – 3D models, plants, rocks, field visits
What are Instructional materials?
Instructional materials are those items that assist the information aspect of teaching. Not teaching holistically. These could take the form of textbooks, worksheets, 3D models, charts, infographics, etc.
Instructional materials also include assessment and testing methods. Basically, any material, any information containing resources which that the teacher uses while instructing. Now testing materials don’t necessarily contain information, but they help the retention and learning of information, thus, they are instructional materials. Sometimes, they are a means to an end, the end being the assimilation of information.
Classification
Traditional resources: lectures, talks, writings, project rubrics, guidelines, textbook primers, reference books, extra-readings, teacher and student-created summaries, workbooks, supplementary material such as flashcards and charts
Digital media: Videos, photos, presentations
Open resources: Expert blogs, open source journals, public databases, open courseware, forums
Testing resources: Standardized tests, classroom assignments, online submissions, quizzes, essays, collaborative projects
Explanation:
Key differences between Teaching aids and Instructional materials
As you’ll see in this article, TAs and IMs work together to reach teaching goals. However, the traditional separation of TAs and IMs is superficial and needs revision. It breaks down based on who uses a specific tool and how it is used. Dictionaries don’t define Instructional materials clearly. This term (IM) is largely restricted to the literature on specific pedagogies. In fact, the term ‘Instructional materials’ is used in the context of reaching course-based learning goals. IMs are specifically designed to be aligned with learning objectives and outcomes. Whereas teaching aids are not always designed to meet course-based goals. As you might have guessed, the same object can be a TA or an IM.
Example 1: A teacher is using a book in the class, each student has a copy.
If the book is used as a course prescribed resource, it is an instructional material.
If the book is a student engagement activity (reading and discussing a story to build vocabulary) and isn’t a part of the syllabus, it would function as a teaching aid.
Example 2: if you are studying algae under a microscope.
A microscope would be an instructional material if a course based learning goal is ‘using a microscope to study microscopic entities’.
However, a microscope would be a teaching aid for a theory class on algae. A teacher could use one to show students what it looks like in order to engage the class in learning about algae.