Preparing Educational Materials - N.D.C. Harris

Traditional methods of teaching in further and higher education are the lecture, the tutorial, and practical work. Amongst the contemporary variations and alternatives that were developing were seminars, project work, and the use of audio-visual materials designed to enable students to learn by themselves.

First published in 1979, Preparing Educational Materials emphasizes the need for careful preparation of educational materials to aid and develop student learning. The lecturer is conceived of as taking on four roles: composer, performer, conductor, and critic. Within these roles they design and produce the learning materials, organise the learning experiences, give lectures and lead discussions, and finally as a critic, they systematically evaluate their own design and management using the students’ performance and reactions as bases.

The preparation of a wide range of learning experiences is suggested: from individual learning to group discussion, from lecture to audio-visual media. Several chapters concern themselves with the factors affecting the preparation of these learning experiences, including the process, purposes, and assessment as well as the modes and media of learning. Detailed suggestions are given to encourage the active participation of students in the effective use of educational materials.

This comprehensive and pragmatic approach to the design, management, and evaluation of learning provides an invaluable guide to those involved in all aspects of higher and further education, especially as modes of learning continue to evolve.