As teachers we know that learning happens when the pupils are motivated. For this reason, we should strive to provide a good learning environment and establish the pupils’ high level of interest. To achieve this we should have a variety of motivation techniques, teaching strategies and materials. The appropriate selection and use of materials not only contribute to improved instruction and performance but also to increased interest in and enthusiasm for learning.

          Books are considered as conventional and primary learning materials. While books are the central technology of education (Barth and Mithchell 1992), there are also other tools and sources which have now become necessary in education. Some of these include calculators, computers and video technology. Other sources of learning contents are supplementary reading materials such as journals, magazines and newspapers. Many of these publications are as interesting, informative and up-to-date as textbooks. Educational magazines offer different appealing activities and reinforcement exercises, which are not found in regular textbooks.

          Using daily the same routine those textbook supplies makes the instruction dull and boring. As teachers, we can guard against the dullness of falling into the same teaching strategies and same source of learning content over and over again by using new materials found in supplementary materials. In the end we may get the satisfaction that comes from seeing pupils busily and actively involved in the exciting activities presented in the materials.

By: SARAH BERNADETTE S. ALARCON | St. Francis II Elementary School | Limay, Bataan