Instructional Aides & Materials

#1 - CHALKBOARD AND DISPLAY BOARD

Chalkboards and display boards certainly do not represent any advanced technology,
but they are definitely visual aids. The chalkboard is perhaps the oldest and most
traditional piece of equipment found in the classroom. Next to the textbook, it is the
most widely used instructional aid. According to educators, the chalkboard "is so
omnipresent that many of us fail to think of it is an audiovisual aid at all; yet most
teachers would be hard put if they had no chalkboards available.”

The chalkboard is popular because it allows for spontaneity, speed, and change. The
chalkboard can fit the tempo of any lesson in any subject. It can be used for displaying
pictures and important clippings, drawing sketches diagrams to help illustrate points of
lesson, projecting films and other materials, listing suggestions or items as they are
offered, writing outlines, summaries, and assignments, and working out problems and
evaluating procedures and answers.

Display boards are used for displaying student project and progress; displaying current
items of interest related to a lesson or unit; posting announcements, memos, and
routine assignment; decorating the room. There are many types: bulletin board,
pegboard, flannel board, magnetic board.

Guidelines for Using the Chalkboard

1. Write legibly and large enough for all to see.

2. Use the chalkboard as it you were writing on paper. Proceed from left to right.

3. While writing stand one side of the board as much as possible so you can maintain
eye contact with the students.

4. When referring to work already on the chalkboard, stand to the side so you don't
block the students view. Use a pointer (a ruler or yardstick may do).

5. Don't talk toward the chalkboard with writing on it.

6. If the chalkboard space is limited, draw a line down the middle the board, thus
creating a margin and two smaller boards. This will allow you to use the space more
efficiently.
7. Organize your chalkboard work ahead of time. When possible, outline items with a
router or numbering system.

8. Don't clutter the board. Limit your writing or drawing to major ideas of the lesson.

9. If you must abbreviate, use standard forms. Don't use unusual personal abbreviations
Check the dictionary if you are unsure.

10. Utilize colored chalk, rulers, strings, stencils, and other materials make your
illustrations more attractive.

11. Don't get embarrassed or show resentment it you make a mistake and a student
corrects you. Instead, thank the student for the help.

12. If you are working with young or low-achieving students, write in complete
sentences. They need practice in seeing and writing correct grammar.

13. Establish routine uses for the chalkboard. Have specific spaces for homework
assignments, drill problems, or the instructional objective

14. Erase the chalkboards completely after you finish, and keep them clean. If you are
busy, ask a student to erase them while you continue with another part of the lesson.

15. Don't overuse the chalkboard. You can ditto or mimeograph lengthy or complicated
materials.