PI 1.4 Resources and Materials

Rationale for Including Teaching/Learning Resources and Materials in Lesson Planning

Teaching and learning resources and materials serve an essential purpose in preparing for a lesson and also have the potential to improve teaching effectiveness and student interest. These include anything a teacher could give or use as a reference that could be used to support students as they learn. Resources might include textbooks, digital formats, visuals or media, or physical materials that you might teach with. Using teaching and learning resources in a lesson plan will also enhance two factors by making the instructional process more attainable and logical. Appropriately selected resources help to regulate cognitive load, offer relatable instances, and include ways to access concepts based on students' varied learning styles (Mayer, 2009). For example, learners with a visual preference could use visuals to understand abstract material; and learners with a kinesthetic preference could use digital tools to engage with the material identified for exploration. Resources and materials are also vital for differentiating instruction. Teachers, through available resources, can address the various needs of their students by giving additional support or depth (Tomlinson, 2014). Differentiating instruction ensures success for all students and encourages students to accomplish the learning objectives and expectations outlined in the planned instruction. Furthermore, when using teaching and learning materials, teachers can identify ways in which those resources encourage authentic learning. When resources are used, updated, and developed through real-world applicability and/or media, the teacher is creating an important and profound learning atmosphere (Gay, 2010). 

References

Gay, G. (2010). Culturally Responsive Teaching: Theory, Research, and Practice (2nd ed.). Teachers College Press.

Mayer, R. E. (2009). Multimedia Learning (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.

Tomlinson, C. A. (2014). The Differentiated Classroom: Responding to the Needs of All Learners (2nd ed.). ASCD.