Classroom Equipping – Introduction

Classroom Equipping – Introduction

It is not uncommon for a teacher, anxious to give of his best, to find difficulty in obtaining the apparatus necessary for modern teaching methods. This book has been written to help teachers in tropical countries who face this problem. By far the greater part of the apparatus described in the following pages can be made from scrap cardboard or stiff paper.

Old cartons and the covers of exercise books are sufficient in most cases. If even these are unobtainable, three sheets of news- paper or paper from used exercise books pasted together will provide a stiff enough base. If wheat flour is not obtainable, a paste can be made from pounded cassava, boiled mashed yam, rice flour or maize flour etc. by the addition of a little water. In some districts the gum of certain local trees is suitable. The wood necessary for some of the pieces of apparatus can normally be obtained from small packing-cases and wooden boxes. In many instances thin straight branches from local trees or bushes are adequate. Tops of biscuit tins, cigarette tins or shoe-polish tins supply all the metal required, except for three hinges in the case of the plane table and some petrol piping in the case of the jet engine; the latter can be bought cheaply at any garage or repair shop.

All the equipment described has been constructed with the tools listed and in the manner outlined. The number of tools has been kept to a minimum. More than half the equipment can be made with a sharp knife, razor-blade or scissors, a pen, a paint-brush and a ruler. In addition to these the wooden equipment requires a hammer, saw, screwdriver, three-quarter-inch chisel and a pair of pliers. More ambitious teachers could also invest in a small bull-nosed plane, a brace and bits (quarter-, half- and three- quarter-inch) and tin-cutters. These, however, are required in very few cases and their purchase is not absolutely necessary. A specific layout has been adhered to for making every piece of apparatus, and the method of procedure should be thoroughly understood before construction begins.

Teachers who have little experience in making apparatus are advised to begin with some of the easier pieces.
The way in which the equipment can be used and the stage at which it should be introduced into the classroom are explained. The first six years at school are referred to in this book as the Primary Course-the years following, as the Middle School, to distinguish them from the recognized Secondary School Course.
The first section of the book deals with Arithmetic apparatus. This is followed by the Language, the Social Studies and the Science sections. Lastly, there is a section containing instructions for apparatus which is of general use. In the Arithmetic and Language sections the equipment, where possible, has been dealt with in the order in which it would normally be introduced into the classroom.

Much of the equipment can be used for subjects outside the section in which it is placed-for example, jigsaws can be used for Language work, the plane table for Social Studies and the shadow stick for Arithmetic. In addition, no-one should hesitate to attempt an original piece of apparatus likely to suit his particular needs.
Some of the equipment can, with advantage, be made by older pupils, not only for themselves but for the more junior classes. The ‘handy man’ methods which this type of work demands should provide much interest and practice for the pupils.
The larger and more permanent material can be stored in boxes or on shelves; failing these, it can be packed neatly in a convenient corner. Cardboard equipment may be stored in envelopes or in boxes. The important thing is that each piece of apparatus should have a permanent storage place.

If the making of this material gives the teacher enjoyment, he will find himself not only with a new and entertaining hobby, but one which will be of great value to him in the practice of his profession.

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