See and hear : the journal on audio-visual learning (1945)

Beginning in the School Unit: (continued from the preceding page) 12 600 600 Slides 2" x 2". Filmstrips. Stereoscopes. Stereographs Glass Slides ; (out of date). 5" X 4" (out-of-date). Projection facilities consist of one room seating 150, available to groups about one third of each week, and five classrooms equipped for showing projected materials. Eventually all rooms will be equipped for using audio-visual materials! This equipment was acquired over a period of 20 years, some by the board of education, some by the P.T.A., and some from extra-curricular accounts. A recent report from the director to the principal gives a good idea of what is being accomplished: "You will be interested to know that as of June 16, 1950, we shall have shown 352 instructional films which were obtained from 20 different sources. . . . "It is significant to note that the average cost for all our films is about 84 1/^ cents each and since we can assume from our records at usage that about 80 pupils view each of these aids, the cost is about one cent per pupil." In regard to the effectiveness of the films as a teaching aid we quote again from the director's report as follows: "We obtained an excellent teaching film. How the Eye Functions, previewed it, derived a vocabulary of essential words which Bob placed on the blackboard and then we brought the classes together. There were 40 students and 22 new words or a total of 880 possibilities. Before viewing this invaluable aid 82 terms or nine per cent were understood, collectively speaking. "Following the showing the comprehension rose to 442 or slightly better than half. Now our students are using textbooks, charts, pamphlets, etc., and are studying the eye intently. In about two weeks we shall have a different film, Your Eyes, which will be used for review purposes." Our Blueprint for Progress— A Summary! Herewith is presented a plan for developing a flexible and growing program: I. The principal must first be completely convinced that audio-visual aids can enrich the experiences of children. He will take every opportunity to inform himself of the best methods of using such aids, the best type of equipment available, and the operation and care of the equipment. The principal will have to be the "expert" in his building at first. II. The program must begin where we are. First help to educate and inspire teachers in the use of the simple equipment found in every classroom. Once teachers and children are aware of the possibilities for enriched learning they are ready to take on more complicated mechanical equipment. Increase the use of any equipment that is at hand. Don't wait and pray for that "nice new sound projector." Be doing. III. Have classroom demonstrations to show parents what audio-visual aids are and can do. Get them to see that teachers are doing a fine job limited only by lack of modern equipment. Have a discussion and demonstration for the P.T.A. Get people talking about the fine effort teachers are making. IV. The principal must be willing to serve as director, operator, demonstrator, and repair man. Eventually set up a committee of interested teachers to give assistance. The principal will not be able to do it alone as-the demand grows. V. Set up a plan for the long-range purchase of equipment and improvement of facilities in terms of needs and funds available. VI. Get the school board to provide funds for purchasing equipment, repairs, rentals, and transportation. It is their function. VII. Have a good classroom teacher with special training and interest appointed as director with full responsibility for promoting the program. He should have additional pay or be released from some classroom teaching time. VIII. The principal must cooperate wholeheartedly by giving careful supervision to the program, providing clerical service, and planning with the director for the constant improvement of projection facilities. It is essential to have black shades in at least one room and so program classes that the room will be available. Eventually all rooms should be equipped with darkening shades or drapes (flameproofed) . IX. Keep the superintendent, the school board, and the community informed on the progress being made. Continued success of the program depends on continued refinement and improvement of teaching techniques. • "Audio-visual materials should be where the child's attention is during school hours. Most often that is the classroom in the normal every day setting. Sometimes it is elsewhere. It is as simple as that since a child learns as he goes and we must anticipate that learning." —Mary Dale Steele 34 SEE & HEAR