Supporting trainees - Guiding trainees in evaluating resources

Objectives of this unit
  • To identify electronic and other resources that will aid learning and teaching
  • To consider ways to evaluate resources to ensure their suitability for learners at different levels
  • To consider specifically how to evaluate the use of websites and other electronic information as suitable learning tools in the classroom

Exciting and relevant resources are an essential part of any effective learning experience in the business and economics classroom. Since the arrival of the internet and the many other electronic aids to teaching, the volume of resources available to both learners and teachers has increased exponentially. It is therefore essential that the teacher and other professionals in the classroom carefully evaluate the materials being used to ensure their suitability and relevance both in terms of content and of accessibility to learners. This unit considers both electronic and other kinds of resources and looks at how a teacher might evaluate their potential for use by teachers and learners.

There are five tasks designed to develop and enhance trainees' abilities at effective evaluation of resources. There are also template forms for use in these tasks. In addition to the pdf versions, all the tasks and templates are in Word format so that they may be personalised for individual or seminar work. 

NOTE: This unit is addressed principally at the trainee or beginning teacher and it therefore offers opportunities for independent learning. The tasks are suitable to be carried out by trainees individually or as an assignment set by a tutor.