(4) How to Develop and Produce Simple Learning …

1 (4) How to Develop and Produce Simple Learning Materials with LimitedResources at Community LevelMr. Sharad RanjitAssistant Communication and InformationOfficerUNICEF KathmanduNepal1. IntroductionThe purpose of this paper is elaboration of theelements and dimensions that need to be consideredby material developers, facilitators/teachers and othersinvolved during the process of production anddevelopment of Learning materials. It also tries to setout the linkage between development of materials andnon-formal education settings and to some extendformal education in a developing country like Nepal,which does not ensure system support for adequatelearning material . It highlights the low productioncost and use of materials locally available in addition, the information included in this papercovers definition of Learning material , level ofunderstanding of target audience, analysis of learningneed, the option to explore opportunities and usinglocal techniques for producing learner-appropriatecontextual materials.

2 It also includes some importanttips for material designers/developers on Simple waysof producing contextual Learning material at thecommunity Learning and Learning material - the MeaningLearning is a process of gaining or receivingknowledge of things in the world around us, throughsight, sound, smell, taste and touch. Learning takesplace in everyone's life all the time from a very earlystage in life, and human beings keep on Learning allthe starts from childhood and it is a continuousand life long process. Through Learning an individualgains the skills to cope with life. Learning occurs inthe family and the community, in formal and informalsettings. The word Learning encompasses a widerange of connotations across different spheres of takes place in any environment and is widein scope. The term as defined here is limited to formsof Learning in formal and informal settings for adultlearners, some of which can be used beyond aprescribed this connection Learning materials become animportant tool in facilitating Learning .

3 There aredifferent kinds of tools, which facilitate Learning . Thelater part of the paper will cover a description of thedifferent kinds of Learning tools for different levelsof triangular relationship between learner, learningand material is always important. One can create alearning-friendly environment only through abalanced handling of these three elements. For thepurpose of my deliberation I have given greater focusto Learning materials than the other two importantelements mentioned above. To understand thedifferent dimensions of Learning material we first needto ask the question: why Learning materials?3. Why Learning Materials? Learning materials cannot be devised or thought ofon their own without linking them with the biggerobjective of an education programme. For anyeducation programme- be it formal or informal - Learning material is devised in a linking up with thecurricular objective.

4 A national educationalprogramme defines a curricular often in the developing countries thecommunities in rural areas do not get adequatelearning and teaching materials. In Nepal teachers inrural communities are left with a bare set of textbooksto use without additional Learning materials. On topof that, very few teachers are trained to use locallyavailable Learning material and opportunities. As aresult a large number of programme participants/learners do not achieve the Learning elements contribute to this situation and arerelated to:- lack of systematic programme planning in large scale- low budget allocation- inadequate training for teachers and facilitators- selection system of teachers- community mobilization plans for resource generation at the local have mentioned all this as teaching and learningmaterial cannot be devised in isolation without linkingup with some educational objective under aneducational programme.

5 While the hierarchy ofprogramme objectives may change or differ at thecommunity and national levels, the objective oflearning should link up with the ultimate goal whenevaluating the impact at the end of an and facilitators are left in isolation with thetask of making a difference in the lives of womenand children. The choice is in the hands of teachersor facilitators to make the difference. The content ofthis paper elaborates some ways at the disposal ofteachers and are not there by choice or aptitude but bydefault, due to lack of opportunity. A teacher whohas freely chosen his calling does not get adequatetraining and is left alone in the community to Rationale for Locally Produced MaterialMost often developing countries have difficulty indelivering adequate Learning material for theeducation outlet. And because of this learningobjectives are often not met.

6 As a result there is poorrealization of educational goal, and objectives golargely unmet. There are different factors behind include low budget allocation for productionand distribution, poor monitoring mechanism, andweak political commitment. It is a compoundedproblem. Even if there is intention the limitationsare also Factors behind Ineffective Learning Materials(1) material centrally produced is not need through out perspectives of interest(2)Irrelevance to the context of in every day life(3) situation(4)No cultural not reflect day-to-day way of values(5)Inadequate for the government(6)No system Steps to Develop Learning material (1)Identification of problem and need(2)Analysis of the pattern/KAP(3)Analysis of the of need and tactics(4)Objective setting(5)Selection of the topics(6)Format selection(7)Content visual(8)Editing(9)Testing(10)Revision7.

7 Ways to Develop Simple Learning MaterialsAgainst this background on meaning, rationale andclarity of Learning material the topic elaborates on afew tips for using different forms of possiblecommunication format to facilitate Learning in thecommunities. If a facilitator/ material developer doesnot have the skills to Develop Learning material , thereis always the possibility of using talent of differentcaliber available in the teaching and learningenvironment. In most communities there is alwayssome natural talent in expressing feelings throughsong, the spoken word or symbolic visual forms. Agood facilitator can always use such talent as aresource for devising Learning material that suits topics in this chapter suggest a few tips for usein audio-visual format and the print medium. Health worker educating a community written by Visual Formats(1) Use of clip-art picture/illustrationClip art: A collection of illustrations which covercommon topics such as health education, nutrition,environment education and other issues relating tothe development of education.

8 The clip can beimported in a computer to Produce a computer graphicas per the requirements of the material as desired. Inthe absence of computers there are several ways ofusing and copying illustrations in clip art by tracing,copying and adapting to the needs of a local situation. TracingCopying using charcoal Enlarging(2) Stick picturesStick pictures are Simple to illustrate. You do not needto be an artist to be able to draw in this style. Thepoint is just to convey the message. A facilitator, with a bit of practice, can find this picture form handy.(3) Opportunities using magazinesPrinted material could be a great resource fordeveloping Learning materials. There are alwayssome kinds of printed materials like newspapersand magazines available in the a bit of mobilization of learners orparticipants, there is always the possibility ofcollection old magazines with pictures that canbe used for creating Learning magazines can be used for creating collages, reference drawings and tracing.

9 It is up to the facilitator ormaterial developer. (4) Use of local talentAs said earlier there is always talent among the participants or in a classroom situation. We will find differentskills in writing and visualizing. It is only a matter of identifying them. As for the quality output, the illustrationand their content do not have to sound at the beginning. The other participants can always chip in to enrichcontent that has meaning for their need. It is important to note that the material produced is not for academicexcellence, but for a Learning purpose.(5) Simple duplication method (mimeograph)The mimeograph is a Simple device for making copies of printed material at community Learning center copies can easily be made at small cost, and this method has proven to be an extremely useful means forduplication of Simple Learning material in the CLC-See Mimeograph Manuals for details.

10 (6) Illustrating through appropriate local materialIn the absence of adequate support material , there are many options that can be used for Learning purposes. Thesecan be a mud floor, stones, bricks, sticks, etc. and sometimes these forms of material are more convincing to thelocal communities.(7) Use of local traditional media for learningIn the Asian countries there is a rich cultural heritage of music song and dances. They have been extremelyimportant part of the societies and communities in the Drama the mediums have been used to pass on the messages on different mediums the mediumhave been used to communities in disguised forms.