Teaching tools include video and audio aids, course-specific materials such as maps and laboratories, books, computers, and models. Audio aids are common in language and music classes, while video is used in history, science, and social studies. Math lessons use measuring devices and visual aids. Course-specific tools include chemistry labs, anatomy models, globes, and social experiments.
Some of the most commonly used teaching tools are video or audio based, and some teaching tools are course specific. Lessons dedicated to history or social studies commonly use maps and globes, while teaching science may require specific laboratories. Mathematics teaching usually requires the use of tools for measurement and graphing. Many classrooms have computers for both teachers and students.
Books are probably the most used of all the various teaching tools. In many classrooms, teachers teach from a specific book, giving each student an in-class version of the same book. The teacher’s edition usually includes study plans and tests that have been designed to enhance the learning experience. In public schools, students’ books are usually free and must be turned in at the end of the semester, but in private schools, students are often required to purchase their own books.
Audio aids are also common teaching aids and could include the use of a classroom stereo system or individual headphones. In foreign language classes, teachers often use recordings to demonstrate how languages are spoken. Audio is also a common tool in music lessons. Teachers use the recordings to teach students about songs and how to play specific instruments. Audio is also used as a recreational activity, especially in classrooms made up of younger students.
Video-based teaching tools can have a big impact on classroom learning. Teachers use instructional videos to demonstrate the actual methodology and documentary style video is commonly used to enhance specific topics. Documentary video is especially common in classrooms teaching history, science, and social studies. Adding video to the classroom usually requires the use of digital video players, screens and projectors.
Math lessons typically use a variety of teaching tools. Depending on the grade level, both students and teachers typically use measuring devices and visual aids such as graphs and tables. In some math lessons, using the calculator may be part of the curriculum. For younger students studying math, teachers can use small objects such as stones or coins to help children experience the results of the calculation visually.
Computers are an integral part of most classrooms, whether used only by the teacher or accessible to the whole class. There are software programs available that help teach almost any subject, and these programs are used by most school systems. Some schools issue computers rather than textbooks. Computers are usually personal laptops, and students receive them with all required reading material preloaded on hard drives. During the school year, the student is responsible for the computer and must turn it in at the end of the term.
Some common course-specific teaching aids include chemistry labs and science dissection kits, as well as models that illustrate anatomy. Planetary studies may also require the use of models that represent the Earth and its relationship to other planets and galaxies. Geography is often taught with the use of globes and maps. Teachers also use social experiments and classroom games in teaching courses that focus on human relationships and sociology.
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