Using and Evaluating Instructional Materials

In evaluating instructional materials, whether by texts, by videos, by software, nor websites, there are a variety of issues to consider. The materials use in teaching is need to be accurate, well written, easy to use, and appropriate for the learners who will be using the materials. There are issues to be considered in deciding which materials to incorporate into instruction and we must be careful to that.

First - Age-level

Determine whether the material is written at a level that is appropriate for learners who will be using the materials. If text-based materials are being used you will want to evaluate the reading level of the material to make sure that it is written at a level your learners will be able to read. You will also want to make sure that the content of the material is appropriate for your learners. The material may be overly explicit, or the concepts discussed may be beyond the ability of the learners to understand.

Second- Pedagogy

Pedagogy is defined by Webster as the art, science, or profession of teaching. When evaluating instructional materials you need to examine them using your knowledge of the art, science, and profession of teaching. Examine the materials from the perspective of a teacher. In taking this perspective, you will want to examine the instructional quality of the materials and their usefulness as an instructional tool. Examine the accuracy, currency, relevance, readability, grammar, spelling, and instructional usability. Make sure that the material is accurate and up-to-date.

Third - Ease of Use

This usually applies to multimedia materials such as videos, software, and websites. Software and websites can be especially problematic. To really evaluate the usability of the software, it's a good idea to try and do as many things wrong as possible. Try to find errors in the program, before your learners do.

Fourth - Tie to Curriculum

Instructional materials are developed by a variety of sources and they are of varying quality Take this into consideration when evaluating instructional materials. Does the material address some piece of the curriculum? Make sure that the materials you use address the content you are required teach effectively and efficiently.

Fifth - Learning Strategies Emphasized

Examine the instructional materials from the students point of view. Determine if the material will involve and interest your students. Will they find it to be relevant and interesting? What types of learning strategies will it involve the students in? Is interactive learning supported? Will it involve the learner in active learning? Some text-based materials, and many software programs and websites can be classified using the following identifiers: resource, drill and practice, simulation, tutorial, or game. These can each be used to achieve different learning goals. You will want to align your learning goals with the instructional methods that the materials readily support.

Sixth – Conclusion

Don't simply choose to use certain instructional materials because they look like they will teach the content you want taught. Look at their quality and relevance. Many of the developers of instructional materials are not teachers. They are content experts, computer programmers, and writers. When evaluating instructional materials, examine them from a variety of perspectives:

Ø Teacher

Ø Trouble Maker

Ø Learner

Evaluate the materials from a perspective of a teacher, examine the pedagogy taking into account the quality, accuracy, and usability of the information

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