Task 1 (a) : Justification

My team members and I had collaborated to produce materials for the teaching and
learning session. Our theme was World of Stories and we were using the story Hansel and
Gretel. In this essay, I will justify on the choice of materials produced. This includes the
principles of selection and adaptation of teaching and learning materials, factors in selection
and evaluation, technical skills and knowledge involved for producing, developing and
presenting and evaluating materials produced.
We decided to create multimedia package as the teaching and learning materials.
Multimedia is defined as multiple forms of media integrated to form a cohesive and logical
flow of information (Fenton & Watkins, 2010). These media can be in the form of text,
graphics, audio, animation, video, data and interactive web component. Thus, in our
multimedia package, we use the text, graphics, audio, video, and animations; all
compressed in the power point presentation for teaching and learning session.
First thing to be considered when using the multimedia package is the format of our
content. For example, we choose pictures, song, video, and animation in the multimedia
package to enhance pupils learning. Research has shown us that the brain processes
information using two channel which is visual and auditory (Understanding Multimedia
Learning, 2008). When information is presented using both channels, the brain can
accommodate more new information. Thus, the use of multimedia is very suitable in
enhancing the pupils learning. This is supported by Tse & Mai, (2004) which stated that the
use of multimedia reinforces the message and the delivery, which leads to better learning
rate. This is because it is multi-sensory and can cater to the individuals learning styles. For
example, pictures and songs can cater to both auditory and visual learner. Besides, pupils
learn better from words and pictures than from words alone (Meyer, 2005). For those pupils
with kinaesthetic learning styles, they can participate in the games which require movement.
Thus, this proves that using the multimedia package will help pupils learn better.
Apart from the content, we also have gone through some of the factors in selection
and evaluation of teaching materials. The first and foremost factor is that the materials meet
the learners need and interest. Given the increasing significance that technology plays in
our lives today, it makes sense that it should be integrated into education. Truthfully, the
main reason why we select this type of material is that it can meet the needs of the 21 st
century learners. Pupils nowadays especially in urban area are accustomed to the
technology such as using computer in learning. This is supported by a statement in The Star
newspaper, which stated that, digital learning has become relevant in todays education
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sector (Easy Learning, 2015). Thus, it is very suitable that we use computer in delivering the
lesson instead of using the traditional method; chalk and talk.
The next principle of selection of materials is authenticity. Martinez (2002), defines
authentic materials as the materials which are prepared for native speakers and not
designed to be used for teaching purposes. These materials do not only limited to
newspaper or magazine, but authentic materials can also encompass such things as songs,
web pages, radio films, leaflets, flyers, posters, indeed anything written in the target
language. That is why, in our multimedia package, we included posters and songs about
Hansel and Gretel. One of the advantages of using authentic material is that it supports a
more creative approach to teaching (Tamo, 2009). For example, rather than a plain text
about the story of Hansel and Gretel, we use song to tell the story of Hensel and Gretel
briefly. It is also significant because pupils will not only learn, but it will increase students
motivation for learning because they can learn enjoyably.
Apart from learners need and authenticity, we also consider the practicality, cost
effectiveness and also durability impact. In my opinion, this teaching and learning material
are practical because it can be made using simple software such as Microsoft office power
point and also windows movie maker. Besides, it is cost saving because everything was
done digitally. We do not have to print or photocopy or buy any other materials. Apart from
that, it can be used for a long period because it can be saved in the computer. We can
always back up the teaching materials by saving it in a flash drive or in our email. This way, it
can be retrieved anytime.
In producing and developing the materials, we had collected many materials such as
pictures, song, and video. To compile all of these materials so that it is cohesive and has
logical flow of information is not easy. In producing this multimedia package, there are many
technical skills and knowledge involved. One of them is that we need to have at least basic
knowledge about computer and know how to use the software. Thank god we had taken the
subject Technology in Teaching and Learning in semester 4. Thus, we can apply it here.
This includes the colour and contrast of the background, which picture is more suitable and
so on. Even though we had basic knowledge in using the computer, however it is still difficult
for us because we are unfamiliar with some function or advanced option in the software.
Thus, it takes some time to explore the software so that we can create an interesting
multimedia package. Apart from that, I believed that a teacher-made material is more
effective than other materials. It is more contextual than other materials (Block, 1991 as cited
in McGrath, 2013). This is because; other materials are produced for general audience while
the teacher-produced materials are specifically produced based on pupils interest and
proficiency. Thus, pupils can learn in context and learning can be optimized.
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As a conclusion, making multimedia as medium of instruction can significantly

enhance pupils learning. This is because, information can be presented in many modes
such as pictures, video and also audio. This way, pupils are more engaged in learning
because it caters to various types of learning style especially auditory and visual. Besides,
multimedia package also meets the needs of 21st century learner where technology is
integrated into the lesson. The last but not least, multimedia package was relevant and
suitable for learning because it uses authentic materials, practical, cost-saving and durable.
Thus, I am in the favour that multimedia package; is suitable to be used in teaching and
learning the English language.

(1060 words)

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