Development of

Self Learning Material (SLM)

Ashish K. Awadhiya
Asst. Director (T&D), 1
IUC, IGNOU
 Objectives…….

After going through this training,

• you will be able to explain structure of SLM
• you will be able to write the unit for SLM

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What is SLM

• Predominant form in ODL

• learner-centered materials
• With inbuilt Teacher

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Characteristics of SLM

Self-Explanatory
Self-Contained
Self-Directed
Self-Motivating
Self-Evaluating
Self-Learning

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Textbooks Vs SLM
Textbooks
Assume interest
Written mainly for teacher use
Do not indicate study time
Designed for a wider market
Rarely state aims and objectives
Structured for teachers and
specialists
Little or no self-assessment
Self-Learning Materials
Arouse interest
Written primarily for Learner use
Give estimates of study time
Designed for a particular learner group
Always give aims and objectives
Structured according to the need of
learners
Major emphasis on self-assessment
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IGNOU SLM

• P – Programme
• C – Course
• B – Block
• U – Unit
• S – Section
• SS- Sub-Section

Identify your Target Learners……. Learner Profiling

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Developing a Unit
Unit 1 - (Title of the Unit)

Structure

1.0 Objectives
1.1 Introduction
1.2……
1.2.1……………..
1.2.2……………..
Check your progress/Activities
1.3…..
1.3.1
1.3.2………………
1.3.3………………
Check your progress/Activities
1.4 Let Us Sum Up
1.5 Glossary
1.6 Suggested Readings
Possible answers
References

Structure Makes the study material accessible 7

Objectives

SMART
• S - Specific
• M - Measurable
• A - Accurate
• R - Realistic
• T - Time /Testable

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 Components of Objectives

• Conditions (Situation)-Condition under which the behavior will occur

• Performance (Action)-Behavior is described in observable and measurable
terms (by using a verb)

• Standards (Level)-Expected level or standard for successful performance

Standard of Objective depends on the level of the learners

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 Terminology for Objectives

• Descriptive verbs: define, describe, explain, list, select, state, etc.

• Discriminative verbs: compare, differentiate, identify, summarize,
illustrate, outline, separate, select etc.
• Motor performance verbs: type, draw, measure, etc

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Examples of Objectives

• After reading this unit you will be able to write

the unit for SLM
• After going through this unit, you should be
able to explain characteristics of SLM.

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Introduction

• Explains the content being discussed

• Relates the unit and also with the existing
knowledge of the learners.

should be brief to provide adequate help to the

learners in starting their study.

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Introduction components
Structural part
• Backward and forward linkages

Thematic part
• Overview of the main concepts to be discussed
• Builds communication with learners

Guidance part
• Study guide and requirements such as time, special activities,
back/cross references, equipment, books, etc
• How to achieve the objectives
• Motivation role-How it is going to help

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 Main Body

• Thematic Content
• Illustrations/ photos/Diagrams/Graphics
• Tables/Charts
• SAQs/Activities

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 Content…
• Small steps
• Logical arrangement
• Ordering the content
• Personalized style
• Language
• Illustrations
• Assessment

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Organization of Content

• known to the unknown

• Simple to complex
• Concrete to abstract
• Particular to general

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Language of Content

• Simple and clear sentences

• Simple vocabulary
• One idea in one paragraph
rn er ?
• Interactive and personalized who
is th e l
e a

• Humor

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Activities.. Writing, Thinking, Doing

• In-text Self-Assessment Questions

• Exercises
• Activities

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Examples of Activities

• Describe the functioning of kidney.

• Why has a course writer to avoid long answer questions as
self-check questions in the SLM?
• Prepare a list of 10 plants that are found in your
surroundings.

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Ending of the Unit… Lets Sum up

• Summarize/ Recapitulation important points

• Motivate for further learning

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 Suggested Readings

• Development and Revision of Self-Learning Materials(2005), STRIDE, IGNOU, New Delhi

• Rowntree, Derek (1986) Teaching Through Self-Instruction, Kogan page, London

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 Glossary..
Unit: The term ‘unit’, of course, the context is that of IGNOU, is used to denote a
division of a block, at one level in terms of the theme or topic and at another
level as the material used to teach the topic.

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 References

• Development and Revision of Self-Learning Materials(2005),

STRIDE, IGNOU, New Delhi

Courtesy
• Google images

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