Well, while there are instances where not much differentiation is made between the two, I would like to define 'Teaching Aids' as the physical aids, props, items (e.g. Active board, Blocks, Computers, Toys, ) that are utilised for teaching. On the other hand, Educational techniques might be strategies that are used for teaching, for example, flipped classroom, collaborative learning, Socratic method, music and movement etc.
Teaching aids are the supplementary material used in teaching method's like white board maps Or charts while teaching technique is used to teach like role play or simulation etc
Teaching aids are tools, equipment, machines and equipment specific to the teacher, while the techniques of education are an integrated system including (human, opinions, ideas, methods of work, machine, management) all work to raise the efficiency of the educational process
In my opinion there is a difference between the two. While teaching aids are the generell equipment in the class room like active boards. They include subject specific tools for example modells as well. Where as techniques of education are methods which are implemented by the teacher to increase the learning process in a specific class. These techniques are for example group learning activities or project work.
I agree with Noman, Irshad and Isam. Aids are, or can be, great to have but frequentky, the educational institution does not have funds for such "luxuries" so we have do whatever we can with was is available and be very inventive. Teaching techniques are what we DO as teachers to help the students learn which might, or might not, include the use of aids. The age of the learners, the topic being taught, the culture and a hundred other things can help or hinder the teaching. All too often, too much emphasis is placed on the techniques that you use: We have all seen the "latest fashion/ theory / author/ technique" that becomes "de rigeur" until the next marketing campaign and then the old one slowly sinks beneath the waves. If you KNOW that you are a good/great teacher, keep on doing what you are doing and forget the fads.
Now to explain the difference between teaching aids and educational techniques, I would say that the above mentioned lists are aids or tools; whereas, the techniques are the ways to TEACH learners to respond to questions like
- Answer T/F questions or statements
- Continue the dialogue,
- Fill in a table, chart, diagram,
- Discuss: for or against,
- Write a response,
- Complete flowcharts,
- Discriminate pictures,
- Compare with another text,
- Take notes,
- Draw,
- Select an answer (multiple choice questions),
- Follow directions,
- Place in correct order,
- Identify who, etc.
In a nutshell, the tools aid teaching, while techniques are how you as a teacher use the tools to achieve the learning objective.
I agree with the others that aids are materials you use to teach the concept whereas techniques are how you teach the concept and/or assess student knowledge.
Although most of the things are clear but in my view teaching aids are just tools which may be used to enhance teaching and learning. Educational techniques are the concepts/methods of teaching designed and use by teachers for teaching may be with or without teaching aids.
Teaching aids are used to enhance teaching techniques. Teaching aids are the resources you need to make teaching more interesting and deepen the learning, while teaching techniques adds creativity to the use of teaching aids.
Absolutely they are different but connected with each other. Let me clarify, to my understanding, teaching aids are the answer of " what", on the other hand methods deal with "how" . One is the materials (even non-materials like sky), the teaching aids makes the learning easier, enjoyable, sustainable and easy to learn. However, Techniques lets you know how to use those aids, though techniques does not only deal with teaching materials, they are also connected with how you are presenting the lesson. You might have known the individual differences, so sometimes you should apply the same aids or lessons using two techniques as the students required.
Teaching aids are various devices which can help the teacher in presenting linguistic material to his students and fixing it in their memory, in testing their knowledge of new vocabulary, grammar items, their habits and skills in using them. Teaching aids may be grouped into: 1 non-mechanical aids- a blackboard, a flannel board, a video projector etc. 2 Mechanical aids -computers, tape recorders etc.
Teaching materials are the materials which the teacher can use to help students learn a language through visual or audio perception. Teaching materials may be grouped into : Basic (fundamental) materials: books, textbooks etc, Additional (supplementary) materials, Technical (mechanical) materials, Non-technical (traditional) materials.
Regarding teaching aids I endorse the explanation given by Kiran Grover. For me Teaching techniques are the ways of imparting knowledge and these can be:
Direct: e.g lecture, didactic questioning, explicit teaching, practice and drill, and demonstrations.
Indirect: e.g reflective discussion, problem solving, and guided inquiry.
Interactive: e.g total class discussions, small group discussions or projects
Experiential: e.g hands on, practicals, community visits
Teaching aids to me refers to any form of materials used to support my teaching while educational techniques refer to different approaches used to actively engage students in the learning process.
I agree with Ian and others with regard to teaching aids. Really, they are luxuries in schools and colleges of most of the developing countries. However, inexpensive teaching aids are helpful in teaching. However, as far as educational techniques are concerned, these are teacher specific, student and subjective specific. These include the development of curiosity, critical skills and making students learn. These also include teaching style, presentation of the topic in a comprehensible manner for all students.
In the field of education, TLM is a commonly used acronym that stands for "teaching/learning materials." Broadly, the term refers to a spectrum of educationalmaterials that teachers use in the classroom to support specific learningobjectives, as set out in lesson plans. A teaching method or educational technique comprises the principles and methods used by teachers to enable student learning. These strategies are determined partly on subject matter to be taught and partly by the nature of the learner.
6 Teaching Techniques You Should Know:
Flipped Classroom (Inverting your class): The Flipped Classroom Model basically involves encouraging students to prepare for the lesson before class
Teaching aids are instructional materials used to complement learning and assist in comprehension ability. Teaching techniques are methods and strategies used by teachers to present their content. One is subsumed in the other.When both are presented by the right person at the right time and in a conducive atmosphere, they make learning permanent.