5.1 - What Makes a Useful Resource?

Objective

The learner will identify the criteria for differentiating useful resources from non-useful ones.

Activity

Every teacher is different, and every classroom culture is different. Not every resource will match every classroom situation. It is important for teachers to consider the students they teach and the context in which they teach as they gather resources for any project or unit. When a teacher is evaluating a resource, there are three main categories to keep in mind:

• Is the resource appropriate?

• Is the resource a good teaching tool?

• Is the resource easy to use?

There are several questions and key ideas to think about under each of these categories. If you are able to answer most of the questions positively, the resource is likely one that you should consider using in your own classroom. However, if you answer most of the questions negatively, you should skip the resource.

Is the resource appropriate?

• Is the resource age appropriate?

1. Are the topics of interest to the given age group? (Not too childish or too mature)
2. Are the activities relevant to activities in which learners of the age group would participate?
3. Does the material indicate a particular grade level? (Does it say Grade 3 level or High School level)

• Is the resource relevant for the target audience?

1. Do the students see themselves and their values in the content?
2. Is the resource sensitive to cultural differences among the students?
3. Is the material taught something learners can actually use?

• Is the resource accurate?

1. Is the factual material correct?
2. Are ideas presented without bias?

Is the resource a good teaching tool?

• Does the resource have clear objectives?

1. Are goals clearly stated before each activity/lesson/unit?
2. Is there an obvious connection between the activity and the reason it is being done?

• Is the resource easily adaptable to meet student needs?

1. Can it be adapted to respond to individual needs, interests, and goals?
2. Does the material provide suggestions for alternative activities for students who need other approaches?
3. Does the resource allow for students to work at their own pace?

• Does the resource satisfy different teaching and learning styles?

1. Can lessons be delivered in more than one way?
2. Does the material include audio or visual components?

• Does the resource reflect current teaching methodologies?

1. Does it reflect authentic learning?
2. Does the resource reflect learner-centered learning?
3. Does the resource require prior knowledge to build new skills?

Is the resource easy to use?

• Is the information uncluttered?
• Does the resource include visuals to help break up text and promote comprehension?

Assignment

In your learning journal, write down at least 5 questions from the list above that you believe to be the most important questions in determining if a given resource can be used within your own classroom for a student driven community service project. Copy the question in to your notebook, then write a sentence or two explaining why that question is an important one. Title this entry Evaluating Resources.

Move on to 5.2 - Browse Resources

Return to Unit 5: Generating a Plan

References

Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities. (2011, March). How to Use the 'Checklist for Evaluating Learning Materials'. Retrieved November 27, 2012, from Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities: http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/eopg/publications/OALCF_How_to_Evaluate_Learning_Materials_Mar_11.pdf