Educational screen & audio-visual guide (c1956-1971])

the most effective gauge of value is use. If a recording is originally favorably regarded, and is so reported and thereby recommended in 'thumb-nail' critique— and it is then largely disregarded by potential users, it should be the NTR policy to accept this broad judgment without hesitation and deem the recording relatively useless for instructional purposes. It may then be erased and the raw tape reused. This action policy is not original with us. At one time a school principal circulated a list of upcoming school-of-the-air broadcasts. Teachers could request— were encouraged to request—that particular data be recorded off the air.' This done, the tape was immediately listed as available in the school audio library. The teaching staff then had a specific period of time— actually three months— to audit the tape and make recommendations. Slowly, but surely, a sizable collection of useful materials was developed. After two years teachers were called upon to re-evaluate materials. Changing staff, changing standards and heightened sophistication resulted in a changing, ever-modern, always useful audio library. It works locally— can it be made to work on the larger regional and national scales? It is immediately obvious that the basic weakness of plan three— that the NTR contain a limited collection of highly selected tape materials which would be discarded yearly and restocked with a completely new collection—must mean that some very fine materials will be automatically discarded because the policy is too rigid. The compromise position, it seems to us, involves appraisal of material and circulation of such data to interested personnel, and .^tudy of value based upon the request for copies of a given recording. Further, each month —or at other suitable periods— the NTR should circulate a list of recordings which may no longer be available, and invite selected regional and local repositories to request copies before the master tape is erased. We believe that the NTR is serving a vital function, that its scope of potential service is unlimited, but that appropriately policy and activity are subject to periodic review. We believe that the review now taking place will [X)int the way to expanded instructional opportimities in schools throughout the nation. But unless opinion and proposals are expressed by those directly involved— and those served by the NTR— it is not unlikely that such may be interpreted as total disinterest and that policy change— and consequent service improvement— may not be forthcoming for a long time. Any and all comments received bv us will be forwarded to Dr. de Kieffer, or you may write direcdy to him at the Bureau of Audio-Visual Instruction, Extension Division, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado. American History Enrichment Materials (246 Fifth Avenue, New York 1) continues its contributions to instruction in American History with four new titles in the documentary series. The documents under examination in the current releases include Bryan's "Cross of Gold" speech, Hoover's "Philosophy of Rugged Individualism," Jefferson's "Inaugural Address" and "Constitutional Amendments XIII, XIV and XV." Each of these is worthy of instructional use, all can be applied successfully in classroom situations in classes in American History in the upper elementary school and the junior high school. It is interesting to note that the four periods of American history represented are times of dynamic change when statements involving national policy were of the utmost importance. The antagonism between Hamilton and Jefferson, a vital aspect of early nineteenth century history, is quickly summarized and Hamilton's patriotic decision favoring Jefferson over Burr is reported. Following this, parts of Jefferson's inaugural address are repeated verbatim, and other portions are siunmarized. This useful statement of American policy can be readily understood by students permitted to participate in the events through the auditory experience. The crisis following the Civil War and the introduction and adoption of three basic amendments is summarized on the reverse side. The amendments themselves are summarized, and every effort is made to indicate their separate functions in the script. The rise of labor as an economic antl political factor in America is perhaps identified with William Jennings Bryan's futile pursuit of the Presidency, despite his multiple nominations, and his famous "Cross of Gold Speech." The scene of presentation is replicated, and the results of the presentation reported. The speech itself is summarized, and in part quoted, and Bryan is heard in the presentation of the most famous quotation from the oration. Herbert Hoover's declaration on "Rugged Individualism" preceded his election as President. The speech was delivered in the closing stages of the campaign of 1928 approximately one year before the debacle of 1929 and the depression which then swept the country. The policies herein expressed were then central to both government and personal attitudes— and the striking changes as reflected in current philosophies of social relationship can lead to interesting and important classroom discussions. The ideas expressed by then candidate Hoover have been largely abandoned by both major political parties and yet may be considered basic in personal activity and deportment even in a modern society. Comments aiid materials for review should be sent to the department editor—Max U. Bildersee, 36 Holmes Dale, Albany 3, N. Y. /JucLo CARDALOG® Record Reviews on Card — A WORLD OF SOUND ON FILE — INDIVIDUAL CROSS-INDEXED 3x3 CARDS ALREADY ISSUED! PLUS the Audio CARDALOG DIRECTORY of Record Producers SUBSCRIBE NOW — $25.00 a year Audio CARDALOG— Box 1771, Albany 1, New York Educational Screen and Audiovisual Guide — November, 1962 661