16 Use of Teaching Aids-Conventional

Dr. Rajan R

epgp books

 

Content Outline

  • Introduction
  • Objectives
  • Blackboard
  • Posters
  • Charts
  • Flash Cards
  • Flip Charts
  • Photos and Pictures
  • Maps/ Atlas/Globes
  • Cartoons
  • Story Cards
  • Puppets
  • Summary

 

Introduction

 

Conventional Method is a technique that allows Learners to explore realistic situations by interacting with other people in a managed way in order to develop experience and trial different strategies in a supported environment. Depending on the intention of the activity, participants might be playing a role similar to their own (or their likely one in the future) or could play the opposite part of the conversation or interaction. The Conventional Method of the study is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the learners. Several factors were compared to determine from this method such as, Learners satisfaction, peer group relationships, learners Self-motivation, learners and resource support. The Conventional Method of the study is to apply a mixed-methods design, using both quantitative and qualitative approaches, both descriptive and comparative in design. Conventional Method includes participatory methods such as group discussion, debate, subgroups, buzz groups, snowball sessions, introductions, peer teachers, demonstration, role play, learning games, quiz, group learning simulations, and dramas. Likewise Posters, Charts, Flash Cards, Photos/Pictures and Puppets are some of the Conventional Teaching aids that can be used in the Teaching Learning Process. Even though we are living in 21st century; even though we are having lot technological innovation, still the Conventional Teaching Aids have high proportionate for self-assessment and more learning outcome.

 

2.  Learning Objectives

  • Explains various Conventional Teaching Aids
  • Selects the appropriate Teaching Aids to support the learning process.
  • equips real feeling of learning process together an appropriate teaching- aids
  • uses conventional aids for acquiring and retention of skills

 

Let’s see selective Teaching Aids that can be used in Teaching    Learning Process

 

1. Blackboard

 

Blackboard is one of the old and most used Teaching aid. Even though the material used for the Blackboard is changed from the ordinary wood to the most sophisticated plastic, fiber and glass materials, but basic function of the board remains the same. The blackboard has been the most handy and useful to the Instructor/teacher in the centre/classroom. They have to use white Chalk or along with Colour pieces to emphasis the important points to be highlighted to the learners. It is easily available, even in tribal areas. Compared to other teaching aids, this is less expensive. Roller boards are easy to carry anywhere.

 

2. Posters

 

A poster is bold and symbolic representation of single idea. The message is given through visual, using very limited words as possible. The balance between the visuals and words is such that a person looking at a poster can get the message in a fleeting glance. The expected message is to be conveyed through posters. Discussions may also be held based on Posters that can be used to give information, create awareness, and motivate learners to think or to give special instructions.

 

Points to remember:

  • The contents should be eye catching.
  • An appropriate slogan or sentence may be used
  • Maintain a balance between the visuals and the letters so that the message is easily understood.
  • Use harmonious colours to make the poster attractive.
  • Effectiveness of Poster lies in simplicity of the letter and visuals.

 

3.  Charts

 

Like Posters, a chart depends heavily on visuals, words and numbers. While the poster gives the message in a fleeting glance, a chart gives detailed information. The chart should be hung at a Literacy centre/class where there is enough light and from where people can able to see and read it clearly.

 

Points to remember:

  • There should be a connection between the words and the visuals in order to make the chart meaningful.
  • Pay special attention to the size and shape of the words, visuals and space to the presentation of Information.
  • The title must always be bold, while the subject matter is in smaller size.
  • Colours can  be used  to present  different  points  and  to make it  attractive. A margin of    approximately 2 cm should be left on all four sides.
  • Try to use limited words. Use of more visuals would be more effective.

 

4.  Flash Cards

 

A set of 8- 12 Cards measuring 20cm X 30cm are called “Flash Cards”. Visuals are made on these in a sequence in such a way that when shown one after another, these cards convey the message or tell a story. The Visuals on the Flash cards help to make the presentation more interesting. They attract the attention of the audience due to an element of surprise and expectation. The sets the should be prepared in such a way that they create curiosity about what will happen, next especially if the message in a story form. In place of sketches, Photos can also be used. Behind the flash card, the text is written for the convenience of the person using it.

 

Points to remember:

  • Arrange the flash cards in Proper sequence.
  • Stand in a position where the visuals are visible to the audience.
  • Hold all the cards in the left hand, resting against the chest with the visuals facing towards the audience.
  • While the visual is being shown, describe the message/story related to it.
  • Before talking about the next visual, remove the proceeding flash card and put it at the back. Continue showing the visuals till the sequence is complete.
  • If the message is in story form, attention should also be given to voice modulation.
  • This makes the story more interesting and dramatic.
  • After telling the story, a discussion should follow the main points.

 

5.  Flip Charts

 

If a lot of information has to be given, more than one chart is needed. Charts that are made on the same topic, in a sequence are called “Flip Charts”. They are often tied on top like a calendar. The Procedure for making them is the same as that of Chart. After collecting all the information that is to be given, it is divided in to four, five or more parts and a chart made for each part. Example, for the subject matter on “HIV/AIDS”, the sub topics can be made like what does HIV/ AIDS stand for? How does it spread? How does it not spread- Misconceptions? Prevention of HIV; Testing for HIV; why focus on women?

 

Points to remember:

  • Flip Charts are also used to explain the cause and effect of particular event or situation.
  • Flip charts are every effective to make learners understand the relationship between Concepts and Facts.
  • Like posters and charts, flip charts can also be developed by the Instructors/Teachers on various themes.

 

6.  Photos and Pictures

 

Photos and pictures are images, figures of a person, place or situation which can be used to supplement and enhance learning. Photos can be used to make the learner Know about eminent and famous personalities and their contributions. Pictures simplify the abstractions and help to create and maintain interest among learners. Photos and pictures enable the Instructor/teacher to share facts and stories about various historical monuments and place, which they have not yet visited.

 

Points to remember:

  • Pictures collected of social or historical importance can be from old magazines or from different sources
  • Pictures can be given suitable titles and displayed on special occasions to show the work done by the Instructors/teachers.

 

7.  Maps/ Atlas/Globes

 

Teaching Geography becomes realistic when the instructor/Teacher use wall maps. Atlas and globes to make the learner understand and Know various geographical Concepts and to know the various places in the state and country. Similarly, actual visit to directly nearby places gives live experience for the learners to learn and these also serve as natural teaching aids.

 

8. Cartoons

 

Cartoons are humorous or satirical drawings published in News Papers or Magazines. Cartoons are entertaining, and often funny, little animations made by artists and producers. Cartoons can provide a good deal of interest. It can be used for conveying information to the learners belonging to diversified age groups. It can be used to convey current information and new concepts in an interesting manner. Cartoons can also be drawn by the Instructors/teachers as per the issues they want to teach/discuss in the learning situation.

 

Points to remember:

  • Cartoons published in Newspapers/Magazines can be used to initiate discussions on various issues.

 

9.  Story Cards

 

Short stories printed on the cards along with pictures attract the learners in the Centre/class room. Stories are to be narratives of situations or events vividly describing details of what happened to whom, how, why and what situation. Characters in the stories can convey useful messages indirectly and effectively. It fires up imagination and provides enjoyment. Instructors/Teachers can use stories for teaching more interesting, lively and meaningful. Stories break monotony and raise curiosity of the learners .Motivational stories inspire learners. Stories related to historical characters and events provide information and build Knowledge. Usually short stories will focus on only one incident, has a single plot, single setting, a limited number of characters and covers a short period.

 

Points to Remember:

  • When selecting/preparing the story cards Instructor/teacher should keep in mind interest of the learners and comprehension level.
  • Story cards reading in the adult education centre can be made regular activity of the centre.
  • The literacy skills of learners can be enhanced through reading of the stories.
  • Stories can initiate dialogue and debate on issues raised in the story.

 

10.  Puppets

 

Puppet shows have been a source of entertainment since ancient times. Puppet shows are always a accompanied by loud music and songs and therefore, interest every one, young and old. Through the puppets, messages can be communicated indirectly. They can be used to create awareness in the people or to motivate them to adopt certain practices.

 

There are several types of puppets. A finger puppet is small but paper bag, stick, and glove puppets are bigger in size. The rod puppets are some times as big as the human beings. Paper bag puppets can be made by taking big and strong bags and sketching one of the characters of the story on each bag keeping the opening towards the bottom. Stick puppets are made by sketching the character of the story on a thick paper and pasting a long stick behind it.

 

The Bottom of the stick is held to manipulate the puppet. Glove puppet consists of a head, loose glove-like body which fits over the puppeteer’s hand. This type of puppet has great flexibility as compared to other puppets. String puppets require a lot of skill in manipulating them. A special stage is required for the puppet show as the person who is moving the puppets needs to hide behind it. If such a stage is not available, a cot can be put vertically along its length. People playing the musical instruments could sit by the side of the cot.

 

Points to remember:

  • Puppet show should be done in local language.
  • One or Two songs based on local tunes familiar to the audience can be included.
  • The theme should be conveyed to the audience before the commencement of the show, so that the audience is mentally prepared.
  • The show should not be too long to retain interest of the audience.
  • At the end of the show, some discussion based on the show may be carried out.

 

Summary

 

To summarise, I would like to say that these are some of the conventional aids which can be used in literacy classes. Most of the Teaching Aids can be used by the learners on their own with help of the instructor/teacher. Besides, these teaching aids will attract the learners and also ensure to enhance their learning. They will help in sustaining interest of the learners.

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References

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