The teaching material is an integral part of any program or activity aimed at acquiring skills and knowledge. The best approach to developing the teaching material is to start by examining the training plan and available resources. Depending on the learning objectives and the length of the program, the teaching material could include exercises, handouts, computer aids and audiovisual aids. Here are some strategies for developing the teaching material.
Steps
Step 1. Identify the objectives of the training plan
The purpose could be to teach computer lab managers how to access and navigate various programs. In a class of aspiring babysitters, the goal could be to help adolescents manage the most salient aspects of taking care of young children.
Step 2. Develop an educational project
A project is an overview or an outline of how training will be approached. It usually includes the training program, learning objectives and a list of available resources.
Evaluate the time to devote to each learning goal. This will help you in the development of the teaching material and will ensure that the same time will be devoted to concepts of equal importance
Step 3. Create a list of the teaching material you need
For example, users of training courses for the use of software need access to the software, screen shots of the more complicated elements of the software, and a manual that describes in detail and step by step the functions of the software.
Step 4. Write an explanation of the basic skills to be acquired
This is an outline of the objectives that the users of the course will achieve through the teaching material. For example, in a babysitter course, the main objectives might be how to provide first aid, how to change diapers, prepare baby food and manage emergencies.
Step 5. Devote a separate section for each learning objective
For example, when making an online babysitter module, you should devote a whole chapter to various first aid lessons.
Prepare individual lessons. In a training course for specific software, if the main objective is to teach career guidance trainers how to navigate the educational program, each lesson should focus on a different objective. For example, a lesson could introduce students to the purpose of the software. The next one might explain the function of each navigation key. The next one might focus on managing learning reports after students have completed their assigned lessons
Step 6. Integrate visual elements
Use graphics, videos, tables and other visual aids to reinforce certain concepts.
Step 7. Include revision exercises
To accommodate various learning styles, it integrates revision exercises in various formats. For example, the teaching material could include true or false questions or multiple choice questions. After watching a video, ask students to break into small groups to discuss the content.
Step 8. Establish an evaluation criterion
If you use videos or presentations to train students, evaluate them by asking them to write down their impressions. When you make a workbook, the knowledge acquired can be evaluated through a few questions.
Step 9. Ask students to provide their feedback
Evaluate the effectiveness of the learning material by asking the users of the training course to share their opinions. The feedback forms may include questions on the organization, clarity, variety and usefulness of the teaching material, and can be used for the purpose of reviewing and perfecting it.
