Teaching aid

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Definition
‘An object (such as a book, picture, or map) or device (such as a DVD or computer) used by a teacher to enhance or enliven classroom instruction’ (Merriam-Webster, 2019).

Teaching aids are tools which facilitate the process of teaching and learning. There are various types of teaching aids, including:

  • traditional teaching aids (e.g. books and blackboard);
  • visual teaching aids (e.g. posters, diagrams, maps);
  • mechanical teaching aids (e.g. audio teaching machines, video-projectors);
  • audio-visual teaching aids (e.g. videos, films); and,
  • visual material teaching aids (e.g. various types of charts) (Digital Class, n.d.). 

Overall, teaching aids used in the classroom should be gender-responsive and inclusive.

References
Digital Class. n.d. What Are The Types Of Teaching Aids? Accessed 30 August 2021: https://www.digitalclassworld.com/blog/types-of-teaching-aids/

Merriam-Webster. 2019. Teaching aid. Accessed 11 March 2019: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/teaching%20aid

To explore further
Brugeilles, C.; Cromer, S. 2009. Promoting Gender Equality through Textbooks: A Methodological Guide. Paris: UNESCO. Retrieved from: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000158897_eng?posInSet=1&queryId=3e94adce-8ecc-4cbb-a61a-ae4a1d6fd3a0

Bulat, B.; Hayes, A. M.; Macon, W.; Tichá, R.; Abery, B. H. 2017. School and Classroom Disabilities Inclusion Guide for Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Research Triangle Park, NC: RTI Press. Retrieved from: https://www.rti.org/rti-press-publication/school-classroom-inclusion

RTI International. 2015. A Guide for Strengthening Gender Equality and Inclusiveness in Teaching and Learning Materials. Washington, DC: USAID. Retrieved from : https://shared.rti.org/content/guide-promoting-gender-equality-and-inclusiveness-teaching-and-learning-materials-2

WHO (World Health Organization), UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund). 2015. Assistive Technology for Children with Disabilities: Creating Opportunities for Education, Inclusion and Participation. A discussion paper. Geneva: WHO. Retrieved from: https://www.unicef.org/disabilities/files/Assistive-Tech-Web.pdf