Teaching Aids & Textbook Selection: A Practical Guide for Educators

Classification of Teaching Aids

Numerous classifications of teaching aids exist (Cabero & Sevillano, 1990), each with its own merits and controversies. This guide emphasizes a practical, teacher-centered approach, focusing on the aids' utility in curriculum development and student learning.

Types of Teaching Aids

We propose the following classification:

• Real Resources: Tangible objects providing direct experiences. Examples include:
  • Plants and animals
  • Everyday objects
  • Urban, agricultural, and service facilities
  • Any object connecting students with reality
• School Resources: Resources specifically designed for educational purposes within the school environment:
  • Computer labs and classrooms
  • Library, media center, and periodicals
  • Gym and language lab
  • Globes and blackboards
• Symbolic Resources: Representations of reality through printed materials or new technologies:
  • Printed Materials: Textbooks, workbooks, maps, etc.
  • Technological Resources: Iconic, audio, audiovisual, and interactive media.

Criteria for Textbook Selection

Effective textbook selection is crucial. The teaching team should collaboratively choose materials aligning with their educational project and objectives. Educational authorities, teacher training centers, and schools should provide selection criteria based on:

• Educational Project Alignment:
  • Subjects and areas within levels, cycles, or stages
  • Educational goals and values
  • Content selection and sequencing
  • Pedagogical functions
  • Balance between text and activities (favoring activities)
  • Promotion of active and collaborative methodologies

Textbook Usage and Teaching Styles

Textbook usage reflects teaching styles and methodologies. Over-reliance on textbooks should be avoided. Learning should extend beyond the textbook, incorporating the environment, student needs, and a desire to learn.

Textbooks should be one of many resources, including classroom libraries and new technologies. Direct experience with reality is paramount, minimizing the need for "intermediaries" whenever possible.