Instructional Methods and Evaluation of Learning
Instructional Methods and Evaluation of Learning
Describe the lesson content
For any course a series of useful lessons will be organized according to its syllabus.
The teaching activities can be sequenced mostly in many ways: either starting with abstract concepts and then moving to concrete topics or vice versa. It can be started with theory ending in practical or can start with practical leading to the theory behind it. This can be done based on a set of queries or problems or case studies. But the most important thing is that it should coincide with the learning objectives. Generally teachers deal the teaching activity starting with simpler items to more complex topics which enable the students to synthesise the contents. This helps the learners to integrate each new idea, with the already learned ones as the as the course proceeds. The teaching can also start with introducing the important topics in the start, then move to exploring these issues and finally introducing new questions related to it.
Describe instructional strategies
An instructional strategy integrates and sequences varied teaching activities that would help in achieving the learning goals course. An effective teaching strategy is based on what is expected out of the students after they complete the particular course. The activities that will help the learners acquire the particular skills in order to achieve the broader goals of the course are taken into account. Based on that direct, one way methods like lectures or creative group methods like projects, assignments, interactive methods like group discussion, simulations, role plays etc are used. Written assignments, observations, etc can also be used according to the course objectives. Whether it is tutor centered or learner centered, it should ultimately help the students to become independent learners who have a better understanding of the concepts taught.
Time allotted for each activity
After deciding the contents to be covered in the course, the lesson plan and teaching strategy for accomplishing the course objectives, time schedule for each activity is to be decided. This is done checking with the academic calendar which shows the time available for the course. Time available for working is calculated ignoring the holidays and other interruptions. Time for delivering the topic, assignments designed, time for feedback from the students etc. are to be incorporated. A quality time will be scheduled for other interesting activities related to the course as well as for revising and reinforcing the learned contents. Adequate time is to b allotted for each activity without making it excess or least.
Identify and describe the instructional resources and technology to be used
Instructional resources and technology are the key feature in any successful teaching learning process. The resources and technologies in teaching can include the traditional printed materials like textbooks and workbooks and the modern electronic tools like the interactive media like the computers, compact discs or DVDs or even web conferencing. Any tool that helps in systematic and effective teaching can be used no matter if it requires human elements or is completely mechanical. The only aim is that the tools must be efficient enough to solve the instructional problems and help the learners achieve the course objectives. The technology used should be based on the abilities of the learners matching to their learning styles enhancing the learning process.
Describe how the learning will be evaluated
The effectiveness of any learning situation is decided based on the evaluation. The evaluation process help the tutors to get an idea of what the students have learned , whether they have understood the concepts and can apply them in a real life situation. Evaluation methods usually include conducting exams to elicit the answers from the students in the objective or subjective way. Formative evaluations conducted help in getting an idea about the previous knowledge base of the learners. This helps the teachers in deciding and employing suitable teaching methods, strategies, tools, etc. Evaluation in the middle of teaching the course helps the teacher to know if the learners are getting the topics in the intended ways and based on that teaching can be improved. Summative evaluation at the end of the course shows if the learners have understood the key concepts in the right ways. Apart from examinations, project reports, assignments etc. shows the students’ performance.
References
Fink, L. D. (2003). Creating significant learning experiences: An integrated approach to designing college courses. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Davis, B. G. (1993). Tools for teaching. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
