Adaptability

DOE-HDBK-1078-94

ATTACHMENT 26

TRAINING MEDIA

(Continued)

Adaptability

Design the training aids to be a natural, intrinsic portion of the sequence of the instruction. Do not

make important points fit the aid available. The addition of instructional aids in instruction is good;

however, the aid should be related to the instructional objectives and work smoothly into the subject

matter. Any difficulties encountered using the aid will distract the audience and detract from the effective-

ness of the presentation.

Appropriateness

Is the visual aid appropriate for the audience being addressed? Are cartoons being used when precise

diagrams and models should be? Determine the intent of the learning objectives, and analyze the learning

needs of the audience before the aid is used.

Support Value

The aid should emphasize the subject matter to be remembered. Instructional aids are tools; and while

it is desirable for the tool to be attractive and amusing, it should primarily stimulate interest in the main

subject rather than in itself. The crucial point is that aids are neither superimposed extras nor the

backbones around which a subject is organized, but they are an integral part of the treatment of the

subject, making their unique contribution to the achievement of the stated objectives.

TYPES OF TRAINING AIDS

There are many different types of training aids that can be used for an effective presentation. This

section discusses the various training aids available to you as an instructor.

Flip Chart

Flip charts are prepared on large sheets of paper and attached to the top of an easel by a clamp. Each

chart is flipped over when discussion of the material it displays is finished. The size of the charts can vary

considerably, depending upon the material to be displayed. An instructor can prepare the chart by drawing

directly on the paper. The visual can be prepared before class or as the instruction progresses. Advantages

of preparing the chart prior to class are that more time can be taken to draw the chart and more class time

will be available for the instructor. Rather than flipping the used sheets over, they can be displayed around

the room as a subject is developed. The charts can usually be rolled up and carried fairly easily for future

use or reference.

35MM Slides

Slides can be prepared by photographing a particular subject and displaying it on a screen through a

slide projector. Slides require fairly expensive equipment to project and considerable time to prepare.

Slides are worth the trouble if they are going to be used a number of times. Slides are particularly effective

if the group is large or an exact diagram or picture is needed that cannot be

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