Classroom Uses and Tips
I. Whiteboards/Blackboards
- The minimum letter size is 0.5% of the depth of the classroom. For a room 6m deep, the size should be 30mm.
- Clean the board completely before starting your session.
- Write on it according to a pre-decided plan. You may divide the board into two or three parts by drawing vertical lines.
- Don’t speak to the board. Keep turning back and forth; speak to the students while writing on the board.
- Stand clear of the written word.
- Do not crowd the board with too much matter. Plan your rubbing-off sequence.
- When using chalk, break off a small piece to avoid squeaking while writing. Use coloured chalks in order to distinguish some parts and to highlight some components of the visuals on the board.
II. Over-head Projector Transparencies
- The letter size on a 25cm x 25cm transparency should be such that it’s projection on a 1m square screen should be a minimum of 20mm. The letter size should be 5mm (on the transparency).
- Use very dark colors to maximize visibility on the projection screen.
- Keep transparencies organized and protected from dust and scratches.
III. Handouts
- Should reinforce key words, key statements and principles. (Summary type)
- Enable students to complete information during the progress of a lecture (Completion type)
- To assign work, home-tasks, library work or field jobs (Assignment type)
- To enable students to read through them particularly in the absence of textbooks. (Notes type)
- Use simple and clear language.
- Draw sketches and graphs, labelled or unlabelled.
IV. Textbooks
- Plan what parts of the book to use in class.
- Follow your lesson plan and supplement the textbook if necessary.
- Use the textbook as a resource and a guide, not a mandate for instruction.
V. Digital Slide Presentations
- Plan your content first.
- Use a plain background and remove any unnecessary detail.
- Use one idea per slide.
- Support the text with relevant graphics.
VI. Paper-based Visual Aids
- Use only one side of the paper media
- Use the same size text as you would on a whiteboard/blackboard
- Reinforce the corners with clear tape, so repeated posting wont damage the paper.
- Use dark colors for good contrast (if the paper is yellow). Otherwise use text color that has good contrast with the paper color.