A gazillion textbooks, numerous notes, piled up photocopies, and other study materials!
The lives of teachers and students would be incomplete without the above-mentioned things. Study materials play a pivotal role in the teaching-learning process. What are study materials? In simple words, it is the collection of materials including textbooks, basic syllabus of subjects, patterns, additional information of in-class activities, etc., that teachers may use to help students in achieving desired academic success.
Study materials are created to help students understand the concepts in a better way. In recent times videos, audio, animations, etc. have started to become an integral part of study materials. The major reason is the effectiveness of such materials. Without further ado, let us take a look at five things that teachers must keep in mind while giving out study materials.
Study Materials- Five Things to Keep in Mind
1. Structure
The study materials should act as an aid to your students and hence, they need to have a proper structure. It should be clear and concise. Make sure that the pages are numbered, add a table of contents so that your students can find what they are looking for easily, and divide the topics into small bite-sized chunks. Mark the subtopics and add enough tables so that things are not chaotic. The last thing that you want your students to be is stressed. A well-structured and organized study material will help your students prepare well for exams.
2. Content
While it is not a sin to learn a little extra, make sure that the study material you are handing out talks about the things discussed in the classroom. Of course, it can have more questions and activities. However, try and limit the content to concepts discussed in the classroom so that your students don’t get overwhelmed. If you are adding extra content, make sure to add a footnote. Give a brief explanation regarding the same so that the students have some idea.
3. Understand the Students
There are different types of students. Some might be visual learners while some others might be kinesthetic. You have to keep in mind that the study material must address and appeal to each student. It might sound like a herculean task. However, adding a few flowcharts, images, podcasts, and videos will also help cater to the students more effectively.
4. Language
There is no scope for grammatical or spelling errors in the study materials. Students depend on the study material and if there are errors and faults in the material itself, how do you expect them to perform well? Study materials that you source from external sources should be reviewed before you share them with your students. Ensure that there are no mistakes in the material that you share with your students.
5. Illustrations and Visuals
As mentioned above, it is important to include visuals and illustrations in the study material. This will make the students learn better. Flowcharts and tables make the concepts loom easier and appeal to the students. The essence of teaching is to make complex concepts seem simple and including visuals will help you achieve just that!
Study materials also include the learning pathways from different sources such as online sources and asking friends or taking the help of any third person. With the help of useful and relevant study material, students will not only secure good marks in their exams but also improve their academic performance. These materials are pivotal to enhance the effectiveness of learning. Even the activities that teachers incorporate in the classroom can be considered study materials.
The idea is to create the best learning experience and to make students capable of facing exams and life fearlessly. Mugging up the lessons or scoring great grades are not the only things that matter. The efforts that students put in, the values that they inculcate, the views that they develop, etc. are equally important.
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