IV: ENHANCING AND ENABLING LEARNING                                                                                         PACES

TEACHING AND LEARNING COMPONENT

IV.C Resources for Learning
Aids are things used by the teacher to enhance learning. Materials are things used by learners to enhance learning and broaden understanding. Resources for learning include human resources.

A computer, for example, can be either an aid and/or a material. During a lesson, an aid can become a material and conversely, a material can become an aid. The use of aids and materials should enhance mastery of planned objectives, accommodate individual differences among learners, be timely, and stimulate high levels of learner interest and involvement.

Differentiating resources for learning to accommodate individual differences among learners is a way to enhance learning equity for all learners (III.B).

Resources come in many forms. A major role and responsibility of a teacher is to connect one’s self and all learners with resources. Aids and materials, technological and human resources when used appropriately can motivate and enhance the learning process for teachers and all learners. Extending one’s classroom beyond the four walls of the classroom helps ensure that a community of learners becomes established for all.

Sample Professional Growth Activity 1

Comprehension

  1. Conduct an Internet search for using key words such as "resources for teachers" or "educational resources."

  2. Complete an alphabetical list of learning resources appropriate to your subject/grade level. For example, A=audiovisuals, audiotapes, B=books, Big Books, C=community guest speakers, catalog of free stuff for teachers...

Practical Application

  1. Develop a one-week lesson plan which contains a minimum of five aids/materials/resources. Attention should be paid to trying to include a minimum of one resource, beyond texts and worksheets, per lesson. Human resources should be included in the plan.

  2. A portfolio of resources is maintained in which useful technological, human, and other teaching and learning tools are recorded. Entries should specify ways in which each resource can be adapted to meet the range of learners’ diverse needs.
Assessment
  1. During the unit, the teacher is videotaped teaching a lesson. Invite the Colleague Teacher or other member(s) of the PACES Professional Growth Team to watch with you and provide feedback as to the learner engagement to the resources.

Sample Professional Growth Activity 2

Comprehension

  1. Identify a list of available teaching aids related to your subject/grade level. Consult with colleagues (via e-mail, in person, etc.) about additional resources.

  2. Identify learners who have individual needs (academic, social, emotional, etc). Discuss with the PACES Professional Growth Team which resources can be best used to meet the learners’ individual differences. Additionally, discuss how resources can best be adapted to accommodate individual differences among learners.

  3. Plan a short series of lessons incorporating some of the resources identified in the previous steps.

Practical Application

  1. Implement the plans developed in the previous step.

Assessment

  1. During implementation of the plans, assess the effectiveness of each resource in meeting the needs of learners.

  2. Meet with the Colleague Teacher or other member(s) of the PACES Professional Growth Team to reflect on the effectiveness of the various teaching aids and materials in meeting the needs of learners.

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