The first step in the production of effective materials is to correctly analyze results of surveys concerning their needs, establish priorities, and choose the theme or topic of the materials.

Selection of Theme

In deciding upon a theme, the evaluation of needs and suggested solutions to the problems produces basic data which leads to arriving at the appropriate theme.

1. Steps In Selecting Theme

 

1) First, set priorities based upon consideration of respective degree of urgency and importance of each issue to be addressed.

2) Issues and items arranged by priority can then be listed by type, and a coherent chart devised to display the needs of the target group.

3) Assemble not only the producers of the literacy materials but also experts and other persons directly related to concrete issues and, referring to the chart, draw out the opinions and knowledge of these persons of various specialties in a discussion. For example, specialists in agriculture, ecology, health and nutrition may collaborate with producers of the materials to arrive at a broader and deeper thematic concept and content.

4) At this stage, themes should be decided upon, beginning with higher precedence items, in consideration of (a) objectives, (b) contents, (c) target group, (d) method of application, and (e) place of application of the materials to be produced.

5) After the theme has been decided upon, consider what data will be necessary and whether or not there are any materials already in existence (particularly in the target area) that may be applied. Make a chart of such information, and prepare to move on to the next planning stage, that of format.

Theme decision based upon opinions and needs of a wide variety of people rather than only preliminary surveys and research can be accomplished systematically by using a "category" approach, itemizing each issue or problem by category.

Which theme can be selected...?

2. Possible Themes for the Materials

Health

1. Daily Health

 

1) drinking water and clean water
2) healthy food
3) awaiting the birth of a baby
4) baby care
5) first aid and family care
6) food conservation
7) others

2. Sanitation

 

1) cleanliness of surroundings
2) how to make a lavatory
3) garbage and waste disposal
4) housekeeping tips
5) personal cleanliness
6) a healthy body
7) others

3. Balanced Diet

 

1 ) nutritional values of foods for physical and mental health
2) proper selection of food
3) how to diagnose and cure illness caused by unbalanced diet
4) how to cook properly
5) others

4. Common Diseases

 

1) some contagious diseases
2) others

Environment and Science/Technology

1. What Is Good Environment

 

1) appreciation of nature and relationships between nature and human beings
2) protective and corrective environmental measures
3) a clean home environment
4) the home garden
5) pollution of air, water, soil, etc.

2. Reforestation

 

1) importance of forests-practical uses of trees and wood
2) protective and corrective measures for erosion
3) forests and animal life
4) how to properly replant forests

3. Science and Technology in Everyday Life

 

1) Water

 

a. uses of water
b. how to conserve water
c how to ensure water supply
d how to purify water
e. flood control
f. water cycle

 

2) The Sun

 

a. practical knowledge
b. uses of sunlight- (sanitation, health, food preservation, crops and animals)
c. solar energy

 

3) Bio-gas, Wind power, etc.
4) Chemicals and Their Careful Handling

Fig. Possible Themes for the Materials

Production

1. Food Production

 

1) How to improve production (raising poultry, rabbits, goats, sheep, cows, and caribou; fish-farming, beekeeping, keeping silk worms; plantation and forestry; planting fruit trees, coconuts, cloves, coffee; etc.)

2. Handicrafts and Vocational Skills

 

1) Creative use of local materials (clay, reeds, bamboo, shells, stones, palm leaves, etc.)

2) How to Start a Home Industry

 

a. identifying materials
b. acquiring skill, technology and equipment
c. quality control
d. marketing

Fig. Production

Social and Economic Aspects

1. Citizen Life

 

1) Why be a good citizen? (relationship of individuals to community, value of sharing)
2) Criteria for a good citizen

 

a) active participation in community development programmes
b) knowledge of and compliance with basic laws of the country
c) respect for cultural heritage
d) healthy attitude toward others
e) knowledge of one's rights and responsibilities

2. Cooperatives

 

1) What is a cooperative?

2) What is the importance of cooperatives?

3) Requirements for a cooperative (proper spirit and attitudes of people involved in a cooperative)

4) How to form a cooperative (techniques of organizing, basic legal requirements, contact with government cooperative authorities)

5) Possible activities of cooperatives (area that can be served by a cooperative)

3. Community Responsibility

 

1) Building a new village
2) Conservation of nature
3) Development of youth
4) Unity in the community
5) Constructing roads and bridges
6) Maintenance of public places and facilities

4. Family Life

 

1) Morals in the family
2) Family planning
3) Religion and faith

5. Economic Efficiency

 

1) Marketing of products
2) Negotiation of price
3) Household budget
4) Taxes
5) Savings and loans

Culture

1. Proper Use of Recreation and Leisure Time

 

1) What is proper leisure?

 

(Folk theatre, music, home decorating, painting, athletic activities, reading, etc.)

 

2) Spending extra time

 

a. activities for wholesome enjoyment
b. activities for extra income
c. activities which are communal in nature
d. activities for educational growth

 

3) How to budget time

 

a. planning a year's schedule of activities
b. planning a day

 

4) Providing facilities for recreation

2. Cultural Heritage

 

1) Cultural heritage (fostering love for folklore, monuments and sites, native arts, local history, etc.)

2) The value of cultural heritage for community identity, source of inspiration, source of recreation, indication of forefather's efforts)

3) How to express appreciation and love for cultural heritage (preservation and transfer of knowledge, active participation in cultural activities, daily application of traditional knowledge, etc.)

Fig. Culture

Selection of Format

1. Matters to be Considered When Selecting Format

Format of materials for neo-literates is decided on the basis of what may be most appropriate and effective for the content of the particular material to be produced.

When intended expression of content is most appropriately matched to format (booklet, pamphlet, poster, game, audio-visual medium, etc.), the highest degree of effectiveness is achieved. If the proper format is not selected, the content is not clearly and vividly conveyed and the communicative effect is markedly diminished.

In deciding upon the format to be used, it is important to be knowledgeable about:

 

(1) needs and literacy level of target audience neo-literates,
(2) location and conditions in which materials are to be used,
(3) methods of application and their clarification, and
(4) production cost and process and means by which the materials are to be produced.

(1) Understanding needs and literacy level of target learners

As neo-literates or illiterates seldom have enough time to study in a school or special literacy class, it is necessary to be aware of target learner's preference for a particular format within that limited time frame. While producing posters and audio-visual materials to be presented before a group of people, it is particularly important to know the literacy level of the group as well as of individual members in order to employ an effective format for their use.

(2) Location and conditions in which materials are to be used

It is necessary to know in what type of setting (environmental conditions) the materials are to serve, and in what manner they are to be applied. Materials such as posters should be displayed prominently, over a long period of time, in locations where people assemble or on a large wall surface. Audio-visual materials normally require facilities and equipment such as electricity and slide projectors.

It is also necessary to see target group's extent of exposure to electronic media. If the community is using it freely then they are already trained to react to the programmes presented in this medium. But if the village has no electricity, then the electronic media is certainly not effective because, firstly, they do not have an opportunity to view programmes on them; secondly, they are too tired to drag themselves to the community centre to watch television or films, etc.; and thirdly, the medium itself fascinates them in such a way that the message remains unregistered.

In such circumstances, it would be better to select a medium from their own culture or create a kind of programme in which they can also participate. In many cases, multi-media approach is most suitable for conveying the message.

The producers of materials should be also well aware of the locally available resources and the background of the target learners' culture, customs, preferences, etc.

(3) Methods of application and their clarification

In producing materials for neo-literates such as games and comparatively thick books, care should be taken so that they do not require excessively detailed guidelines for their application by instructors. Format of materials must be carefully considered so that the materials can be at first easily accepted and understood by the instructors. A format which is complicated or poses problems in application or does not clearly and simply convey the intended message should be avoided.

(4) Production costs

Cost of material production varies greatly, depending on the format and the facilities available for production. It is important to determine best possible format, process, and supplies to be utilized within the budget set for the particular production.

2. Possible Formats for Materials for Neo-literates