FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED IN CONSTRUCTING AN EFFECTIVE IM’S

As a Teacher, I am aware that my students are unique individuals and there areimporta
nt factors to be considered in constructing an effective instructional material. Here arethe
factors; diverse user interests, abilities, backgrounds, cultures, languages, and maturitylevels.
Materials intended for student use should be appropriate for the subject area and for theage, social
development, ability levels, special needs, and learning styles of students served bythe collection.The
Materials to be selected
should support, enrich and extend the school’s curriculum
and to encourage informational, educational and recreational reading, viewing and/or listening.

THE IMPORTANCE OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

Well, we all know that Teachers at all levels utilize a variety of instructional materials
such astextbooks, presentations and handouts to enhance the quality of their lessons.
The quality of thosematerials directly impacts the quality of teaching. Knowing how to
find the best instructional materials is avaluable skill for a teacher to have.
The importance of Instructional Materials or Educational resources is to improve students’
knowledge, abilities, and skills, to monitor their assimilation of information, and to
contribute to theiroverall development and upbringing. It also clarifies important
concepts to arouse and sustain
student’s interests, give all students in a class the opportunity to share experiences necessary for
new learning, help make learning more permanent.CRITERIA FOR
EVALAUTING INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Criteria’s for evaluating instructional materials is very important to make teaching effectiveand
meaningful, here are some criteria’s:
ContentAligns with curriculum and standards, and is current, valid and reliable, with
real worldexamples. Design to meet the interest of the individual learners from various
skills levels. Enhancesconceptual understanding and engages higher order thinking
skills. Free from bias.Equity and AccessibilityMaterials are durable, easily stored,
transported and are universally accessible. Materials areeasily updated and are
adaptable and customizable to match the resources of the school.
Appropriateness
Materials are appropriate for the subject matter, and also appropriate for the learner’s
capacity or levels of learning.
PresentationComprehensiveness of student and teacher resources; alignment of
instructionalcomponents; organization of instructional materials; readability of instructional materials;
pacingof content; ease of use and durability of materials.LearningMotivational strategies; teaching a
few "Big Ideas;" explicit instruction; guidance andsupport; active participation of students; targeted
instructional strategies; targeted assessmentstrategies.CostThe materials used for teaching should
not be expensive, as long as it eye captivatingand catches the attention of the students then it is an
effective instructional materials.
EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY
Educational technology, sometimes termed EdTech or Learning Technology, is the study
andethical practice of facilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using and
managingappropriate technological processes and resources.

The term educational technology is often associatedwith, and encompasses,

instructional theoryand learning theory.

As an academic discipline, the study of educational technology prepares individuals by
helpingthem acquire a deeper understanding and mastery of:

learning resources: messages, people, materials, devices, techniques and settings;

processes for analyzing and devising solutions to those problems through research,theory,
design, production, evaluation, utilization;

the processes involved in organization and personnel management.The focus is on effective

processes to facilitate learning using technologies andunderstanding the impacts of technology
on learners and organizations.Areas of specialization may include distance learning, human
performance technology,technology integration and management, media design and
development, learning sciences,instructional design, change management, and communications
processes. It should be noted thatthe field is not merely concerned with learning technical skills
nor the simplistic use of
technology for technology’s sake in teaching, a common misperception by non
-educators.Practitioners in the field typically hold an advanced degree, Master's or doctorate.
Technology in education is most simply and comfortably defined as an array of
tools that mightprove helpful in advancing student learning and may be measured on
how and why individuals behave.As a field, educational technology emphasizes
communication skills and approaches to teaching andlearning through the judicious
use and integration of diverse media. Scholars in the field examine theuses of
innovative media and technologies for education, examining all aspects from direct
studentlearning to management and impacts on institutions. As in all forms of
applied technology, the fieldstudies how theoretical knowledge and scientific
principles can be applied to problems that arise in asocial context. Practitioners in
educational technology seek new and effective ways of organizing theteaching and learning
process through the best possible application of technological developments.These activities
rely upon a body of knowledge for successful and ethical implementation, rather
thanroutine tasks or isolated technical skills.
TEACHER IS THE BEST INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL
Teaching is a total package; it is true that teacher is the best instructional
material becauseteacher is the one who manage
the classroom. As the saying goes “you are the captain of your mind andthe master of your
soul” teacher is the captain of the classroom because of molding the minds of the
students to become competent and independent individuals when it comes
to excellence. Master of theclassroom because of proving good feedback and
developing the potential of the students throughnurturing their minds for the
possibilities in life. Using strategies or techniques that are varied to maketeaching effective
and meaningful is also a big factor for the students so that they can build
confidenceand have mastery of the subject matter.