c. Check Visibility. A great training aid can be useless unless the whole class
can see it. If a model or piece of equipment is too small to be seen in the back of the
class, allow time for the students to examine it after the class. Do not pass it around
during class time. The students who are passing or examining the device will miss part
of your lecture.
d. Always Face the Class. It is easy for the instructor to become so involved
with the training aid that the students get only a mumbled version of the lecture. If you
remember to maintain eye contact with the class, this tendency will be eliminated. The
tendency is especially common when the instructor is explaining and drawing a
complicated graphic on a chalkboard or putting up a lesson outline. If you need a
complicated or involved graphic, put it on the board before the class meets.
e. Using a Pointer. A pointer is very valuable when you want to bring the
students' attention to a specific part of the training aid. Try not to hold the pointer
across your body. This can cause you to look awkward and will encourage you to face
the aid instead of the class. Hold the pointer in the hand that is nearest to the training
aid. Hold the pointer steady when you are using it. Put it away when you are done.
When you are showing an overhead transparency, a pen or pencil makes a good
pointer. Whichever type you are using, hold it steady on the part you want the students
to see.
f. Assistants. If you are fortunate enough to have assistant instructors to show
your training aids, to assist with demonstrations, or to help with practical testing, use
them to your best advantage. Assistants should be well rehearsed. They should have
a copy of your lesson plan so that they know when each slide is to be shown. If the
assistance is for a demonstration, make sure they know exactly what they are to do. If
the assistance is for testing, be sure they know exactly how the task was taught and
should be tested.
g. Present Training Aids Smoothly. This is no time for unpleasant surprises.
Make sure you know the use of every knob and button on the equipment or model you
are using. Double check to be sure that every slide you need is correctly placed in the
tray. Even though you placed them in the tray last week, a lot can happen in seven
days. If the equipment is large, get it in place before the class starts. Disasters can
happen, but try to avert as many as you can.
3-20. LIMITED SELECTION OF TRAINING AIDS
Frequently a unit is restricted in the variety of training aids available. The training
aid types used at one unit may be different from those used for similar units at other
locations. When the selection is limited, the best you can do is to select from those
available for the subject area you are teaching. Most kinds of training aids are
discussed in the following paragraphs. Even though demonstration is a training aid, it
will be treated separately (Section IV).
MD0560
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