Curriculum development is an important part of the whole teaching-learning process. This is done mainly by teachers and principals of schools. However, developing comprehensive classroom materials for children is not an easy task. One has to learn, plan and research the topics to develop a classroom material. Here we will discuss some of the aspects of developing a comprehensive study material. Nowadays, there are lots of courses that have help teachers and principals to develop the materials. Here we will also discuss which course or courses can help one to develop standard course materials.
Out of the many courses, the classroom material development Course is highly beneficial. With the help of the course, one will attain the knowledge of the proper planning and strategy to develop study materials. For formal learning, one must consider reading, language, and several abilities such as neuro-motor, cognitive social etc along and their qualitative and quantitative assessment. Additionally, the study materials must be accurate and based on evidence, driven by objectives and designed to engage today’s students and teachers and be aligned with the district, state and curriculum standards. Informal learning resources must still adhere to quality content and design standards as well as providing a complete educational experience.
Approaches to developing reading materials:
Reading is an effective learning strategy. The aim of teaching how to read is to develop the skill which is required later to learn important things in life. The study material must contain examples of how to decode text, making sense of what is said and comparing that to the knowledge and experience one that is brought to the text. In this way, a child forms judgments and revises the knowledge of his or her thoughts-and as a consequence learning takes place.
Problem-solving approach:
A comprehensive study material must comprise of a variety of problem-solving activities. Generally, mathematics and other puzzle-solving problems are there. So a principal must include these as in the course to enhance the cognitive abilities of a student.
Methodical approach:
A classroom study material must consist of several environmental factors comprising of the surrounding and the social aspects. Since environment impacts a child, therefore, a study material which explains the causes of certain phenomena and their results help children in developing knowledge. More on the methodical approach can be found in a classroom material development Course taught at a reputed institution.
We have discussed only a handful of approaches to building a comprehensive study material. Naturally, there are more topics under this subject which are not possible to discuss only in this article alone and therefore it is necessary that candidates who wish to develop sound study materials must undergo the classroom material development Course which will help them in gaining the insight of the processes involved. We will wrap up this article by saying that course curriculum is not changed in a day and is a time taking process. Also, not all parts of the curriculum need to be changed. What to change and how to will depend on the teacher or the principal.
Laxmon Gope is an advanced curriculum developer and an instructor at Institute of International Teachers Training. He has helped design the new and improved classroom material development Course designed to help teachers and principals develop study materials effectively.