MAXIMIZING THE USE OF THE CHALK BOARD

By: Mary Ann L. Rone

A P r e s e n t a t i o n o n :

Focus question:

What techniques can help us maximize the used of projector and the chalkboard ?

We can identify that it is a classroom if it has a chalkboard inside. In fact, a school my have no computer, radio, tv, etc. but it will always have a chalkboard. So why not capitalize the use of what we have, the chalk board instead of looking for another which is not available.

The following practices of dedicated professional teachers may help us in the effective use of the chalk board:

1. Write clearly and legibly on the board. Take note that there are children in the last rows.

2. It helps if you have a hard copy of your chalkboard diagram or outline. That helps you to visualize the diagram or outline you like to appear on the chalkboard. That clean diagram and organize outline must match what you do on chalkboard.

3. Don’t crowd your notes on the board .4. Make use of colored chalk to highlight key points.5. Do not turn your back to your class while you write on

the chalkboard.6. For the sake of order and clarity, start to write from

the left side of the board going to the right.

7. If you teach the grades and you think the lines on the chalkboard are needed for writing exercise , then provide the lines for your board work.8. Look at your board work from all corners of the room to test if pupils from all sides of the room can read your board your board work.9. If there is glare on the chalkboard at certain times of the day, a curtain on the window may solve the problem.10. If you need to replace your chalkboard or if you are having a

new classroom with new chalkboard suggest to the carpenter to mount the chalkboard a little concave from left to right to avoid glare for the pupils benefit.

11. If you need to have a board work in advance or that need to be saved for tomorrow’s use (say a quiz or a sophisticated diagram), write “please save” and cover the same with curtain.

12. Make full use of the chalkboard.

Here are some more technique, from James W. Brown(1969).

A. Sharpen your chalk to gat good line quality.B. Stand up with your elbow high. Move along as

you write.C. Use dots as “aiming points”. This keep writing

level.D. Make all writing or printing between 2 to 4 inches

high for legibility.E. When using colored chalk, use soft chalk so that

it can be erase easily.