INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Prepared by: Jullie Marie C. Lugong
Instructional materials play a vital role in teaching and learning processes. They serve as tools to facilitate
understanding, enhance engagement, and make learning more effective.
1. Types of Instructional Materials
Instructional materials can be classified based on their format, purpose, or medium of delivery. Below are the
common types:
a. Visual Materials
• Definition: Materials that appeal to the sense of sight.
• Examples: Charts, graphs, posters, pictures, slides, flashcards.
• Uses: Illustrate concepts, summarize key points, and provide visual aids for memory retention.
b. Audio Materials
• Definition: Materials that use sound to convey information.
• Examples: Audio recordings, podcasts, radio broadcasts, music.
• Uses: Develop listening skills and auditory learning.
c. Audio-Visual Materials
• Definition: Combine visual and auditory elements.
• Examples: Videos, films, animations, PowerPoint presentations with narration.
• Uses: Demonstrate procedures, narrate stories, and engage learners interactively.
d. Print Materials
• Definition: Text-based materials used for reading.
• Examples: Textbooks, workbooks, handouts, brochures, newspapers.
• Uses: Support reading comprehension, provide detailed explanations, and encourage independent
learning.
e. Manipulative Materials
• Definition: Hands-on materials that learners can touch and manipulate.
• Examples: Models, puzzles, blocks, laboratory kits.
• Uses: Enhance kinesthetic learning and promote exploration and discovery.
f. Digital or Online Materials
• Definition: Materials accessed through digital devices.
• Examples: Educational websites, online simulations, eBooks, apps, interactive quizzes.
• Uses: Support blended and online learning, offer interactive experiences, and provide instant feedback.
2. Classification of Materials
a. Authentic Materials
• Definition: Materials not specifically designed for teaching but used in real-life contexts.
• Examples: Newspapers, advertisements, brochures, menus, blogs, social media posts.
• Purpose: Expose learners to real-world language and contexts.
• Characteristics:
o Unscripted and natural.
o Reflect everyday communication.
b. Created Materials
• Definition: Materials specifically designed for educational purposes.
• Examples: Workbooks, activity sheets, flashcards, grammar exercises, instructional videos.
• Purpose: Address specific learning objectives.
• Characteristics:
o Simplified and structured.
o Tailored to learners’ proficiency levels.
3. Advantages Claimed for Authentic and Created Materials
a. Advantages of Authentic Materials
1. Real-Life Relevance: Learners are exposed to language and content they will encounter outside the
classroom.
2. Cultural Awareness: Introduces learners to different cultures, traditions, and societal norms.
3. Motivational: Engages learners by connecting classroom content to real-world applications.
4. Skill Integration: Encourages the use of multiple skills (e.g., reading, listening, critical thinking).
5. Flexibility: Can be adapted for various learning levels and topics.
b. Advantages of Created Materials
1. Targeted Learning: Designed to meet specific learning objectives and cater to the learners’ needs.
2. Controlled Complexity: Simplifies language and content, making it suitable for beginners.
3. Consistency: Ensures that the material aligns with the curriculum or lesson plan.
4. Ease of Use: Often comes with instructions, activities, and assessments that save time for teachers.
5. Customizability: Can be adjusted to fit particular teaching styles or class requirements.
4. Categories of Instructional Materials (IMs)
• Ready-Made IMs:
o Advantages:
§ Save time for teachers.
§ Often standardized and aligned with national curricula.
§ Include professional visual designs and structured content.
o Disadvantages:
§ May not meet specific needs of learners in diverse contexts.
§ Limit flexibility for teacher customization.
§ Can become monotonous if overused without adaptation.
• Custom IMs:
o Advantages:
§ Tailored to the learners’ needs, cultural context, and learning goals.
§ Encourage creativity and relevance.
o Disadvantages:
§ Require significant time, effort, and expertise.
§ May lack the polish of professionally created materials.
5. Role of Instructional Materials in Language Learning
• Content Delivery: Present language concepts and examples.
• Skill Development: Support practice in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
• Engagement: Use visuals, multimedia, and interactive exercises to maintain interest.
• Scaffolding: Provide step-by-step guidance to support gradual learning.
46 Basic Principles and Procedures in Materials Development
• Principles:
1. Relevance: Align materials with learners’ language needs, cultural context, and goals.
2. Authenticity: Use real-life texts, scenarios, and tasks.
3. Engagement: Make learning interactive and enjoyable.
4. Clarity: Ensure language and instructions are easy to understand.
5. Flexibility: Allow room for teacher and learner adaptation.
• Procedures:
1. Needs Analysis: Understand the learners' proficiency, goals, challenges, and interests.
2. Objective Setting: Define the specific goals for the instructional materials.
3. Design and Development: Create the content and structure, incorporating visuals and interactive
components.
4. Pilot Testing: Test the materials with a sample group, gather feedback, and make necessary
revisions.
7. Benefits of Instructional Materials
• For Teachers:
o Provide a structured plan and content for lessons.
o Save time in lesson preparation.
• For Students:
o Enhance learning with visual aids and interactive tasks.
o Offer consistent reference material for self-study.
o Motivate and engage through creative and relatable activities.
