Methods of Health Education

Definition of Method

Various writers have given different definitions of method of Health education.

• According to J. E. Avent: "Methods are the procedures by which a goal is reached, a purpose accomplished or a result achieved."
• "The teacher's way, which causes behavioral change in pupils." - Lardisbal and Friends.
• "Method is the way or path followed in imparting knowledge with the aim of securing the best possible educational result." - Bhatia and Bhatia.
• In the conclusion, we can say - "Methods are the means through which a teacher organize and guide the teaching experience for the optimal achievement of educational goal."

Classification of Methods:

Methods of health education are techniques or ways in which series of activities are carried to communicate ideas, information and develop necessary attitudes and skills. Mainly methods have been classified into three groups according to the number of people willing to get health education. out

• Individual Methods
• Group Method
• Mass Method
   

Individual Methods

This method involves person-to-person or face- to-face communication which provides maximum opportunity for two-way flow of ideas, knowledge & information. Adequate interaction between the health educator & his client help provide health education successfully resulting in attitude & expected behavioural change 

Advantages

• We can discuss, argue & persuade the individual to change his behaviour.

Disadvantage

• The numbers we reach are small & health education is given only to those who come in contact with us.

Types of individual method:

• Counseling
•  Interview

Interview

It is a method of providing health education through the means of questions & answers between the health educator & the learner. In this process interviewee's knowledge, attitude, feeling & health practices are studied, & essential suggestions are given to bring about the positive change. The interview has been defined as a "talk with a purpose."

Purposes

• To secure information by face to face contact
• To identify attitude, personality & behaviour of interviewee.
• To gain confidence about interviewee
• To collect personal data
• To make hypothesis

Types of Interview

• Planned or structured or formal interview:

This interview is organized & preplanned. Questionnaire is used as the tool of interview, which contains a set of predetermined questions, which are structured in a written form. Along the collection of information & data, some relevant health teaching could also be done.

• Spontaneous or unstructured or informal interview:

In this interview no predetermined questions are asked. The interviewer collects the information by free discussion on existing health problems. Here, questions will be spontaneous based on the faced problems.

Qualities of interview questions

• It should be valid & reasonable.
• It should be simple, understandable unambiguous.
• Respondents will be expected to know the answer.
• It should be culturally acceptable & should not be offensive.

Process of interview

• Setting the time & place for the interview:

An adequate amount of time should be set aside for the interview. The length depending on the purpose & nature of interview judgment must be exercised on both the length of time allotted for the interview & the time at which it takes place if a person is seriously ill & may new & frightening thing; are happening to him or if he has just been admitted to the hospital & is having numerous tests & examinations. It may be best to delay in interview until the immediate crisis is over. Again if the person appears to be becoming fatigued, it is wise to terminate an interview & complete the passion at another time. Interviews should be scheduled for a time when both the patient & the nurse are free from other commitments. 

Preparation of Interview

• Gain adequate knowledge & information on the topic.
• Develop the questionnaire to collect information.
• Inform the interviewee about the interview & other necessary arrangements.
• Decide the place & time of interview.
• Decide the target group or individual.

Beginning the Interview

An interview is especially a conversation between two people often as when the patient has just been admitted to the agency & the nurse has not met him before between two strangers. The nurse as the interviewers has a responsibility to put the other person at ease. For the beginning student, who is perhaps a bit apprehension about interviewing someone it is helpful to remember that the patient, too is probably anxious. Most people who seek the help of health professionals by coming to a health agency either ill or in some way concerned about their health. Even those who are well & attending health maintenances clinics usually have some minor worries. They are all, therefore at least a little anxious. It helps if the nurse observes the common courtesies of calling people by name, offering them a seat or offering their permission to slide down & fall. The nurse should also introduce herself by name. These courtesies convey a feeling of respect for he person. The common ritual also helps the urses to feel more comfortable.

• Establish proper rapport to gain interviewee's confidence & put him/her at ease. It can be done by greeting & giving self-introduction to the interviewee before putting actual question of questionnaire.
• State the purpose & importance of interview. Convince about the interviewee's responsibility to get good response.
• Ask the questions in polite manner. Listen to the interviewee & make sure that he/she has understood the questions.
• Do not laugh or shout rudely or any negative comments during interview.
• Provide enough time to think & respond.
• Avoid disturbing activities like talking with other person during interview.
   

Eliciting Specific Informat

Although the nurse often has specific information that she want to obtain from the individual during the interview it should not be conducted as question & answer session. It may be structured interview in the sense that the nurse controls & directs the conversation. When the nurse gathers information in her assessment interview, but individual should feel free to discuss his feeling & concern & the thing that are important to him. Most people will give all the information needed, & more, if an open climate is created.

In this regard the section in chapter on creating a climate in which the patient feel free to communicate & on learning to listen will be helpful.

When there is specific information that the nurse would like to obtain some direct question will have to be asked. In such cases it is probably a good idea to start with the person's immediate concern that is his feeling & perception in regard to whatever the interview is about withoutinterjecting too many questions in the beginning.

Ending an Interview

When the purpose of the interview have been accomplished the nurse should take some time to ask, if he has any questions or if there are other thinking that he is concerned about that were not discussed. Patients often feel, that the nurse is busy & they are sometimes reluctant to take up her time. But taking a few minutes to listen to the patients concern often saves the nurse's time. In the long runs since the patients is less apt to make frequent requests. Later if he is reassured that someone is concerned about him as a person.

In terminating an interview, it is again helpful to observe the social amenities. Thanking the person for his time, saying that you will see him again & assuming that he can call on you. If he is concerned about anything are all ways of onveying to the patient that he will perform orthy of respect.

• Conclusion, suggestion & report
  • Discuss with interviewee & make conclusion clear to him regarding the problem & treatment plan but do not give instructions or suggestions unless asked.
  • Close the interview in a friendly manner with thanks & greetings.
  • Make written report of the interview result, which will help to plan the health education programme.

Guidelines for facilitating communication

• Speak in normal tone.
• Do not raise your voice or shout.
• Realize the speaking louder does not increase comprehension.
• Speak to the client on an adult level.
• Remember that impaired communication does not indicate impaired intelligence.
• Ask simple questions that require simple answers.
• Avoid carrying conversation at a time. a more than
• Keep the atmosphere quiet & relaxed.
• Reduce or eliminate environmental noises.
• Make sure you have the client's attention before you speak.
• Assume clients can understand you. Do not discuss their cases or other inappropriate topics in front of them.
• Give the client adequate time to respond.
• Do not correct mistakes.
• If you do not understand, ask the client to repeat what he or she said.
• Praise clients for their attempts at speech.

Advantages

• Helps to know knowledge, attitude & practice.
• Helps for intensive & systematic teaching with exchange of ideas & feeling.
• Help to reach a better conclusion for solution of a problem.
• Easy to conduct with less cost & limited facilities.
• Even illiterate persons can be interviewed & taught.
• Easy to make follow-up.
• It is a two-way communication.
• The expression & gestures can be observed.

Dissadvantages

• Time consuming
• Difficult to cover wide range of target people with limited manpower.

Counselling

Counseling is the process of two way communication by which the counselor assists the client to make decision about his own choice. It is an effective & frequently use health education approach for individual by encouraging & helping him/her to identify his or her health problem, the cause of the problem, the ways of its solution & also encourages to take necessary actions to solve it.

Main Functions

• Provides support at times of crisis.
• Improves & reinforces motivation to change behavior.
• Helps them face up to their problems & to reduces or solve them.

Counseling implies choice, not force. In different circumstances different people can under take counseling. A Counselor should be able:

• To communicate information
• To gain the trust of the people
• To understand other persons feelings & to respond to them
• To listen sympathetically to people who are anxious, distressed & possibly hostile.

Techniques of Counseling

• Establishing Rapport: This is very important stage consists of establishment of such relations will help to gain confidence, truth of mutual understanding which will help to keep client at ease & help to exchange ideas, feelings, experiences at maximum level
• Identifying Clients' Needs or Problems: Counselor must speak politely, clearly, listen to, exchange ideas & help in identifying the health problems of the clients. The role of counselor is to listen actively to what the client is saying & to observe the non-verbal cues such as posture, gesture, eye contact etc. The counselor's manner should encourage the client to continue talking by indicating that he is listening with interest to what the client is saying.
• Finding ways to solve the problems: The counselor should help the client in finding ways & means to solve his/her health problems by encouraging in discussion & develop problem-solving strategies based on his situation.
• Maintaining patience: A counselor should have patience while giving information, listening to the clients' ideas & guiding to help him, identifying the health problems & help to solve it by necessary actions.
• Keeping secret: Counselor should maintain confidence in keeping sensible personal matter secret during counseling

Qualities of a Counselor

• A counselor must be friendly, sincere, co- operative & social.
• She must have the capacity of judgingthings closely & in detail.
• She must have patience to listen & to deal with problem with respect to her client, calm behaviour & unrushed manner.
• Assure confidentiality concerning the client's information.
• She must have ability to minimize the client's pain address the client's anxiety & ability to convince her clients for taking necessary action to solve their problems.
• She must possess skills of communication & monitoring the progress of counseling.

Advantages of Counseling

• It is helpful in dealing with individual client & motivate him to take necessary action to solve his health problems.
• Provides maximum opportunity for feedback.
• Helps to maintain two-way communication Illiterate people can be taught by this method.
• Easy to make follow-up studies on the basis of counseling records.

Disadvantage of Counseling

• Counseling takes long period of time.
• It is difficult to cover wide range of people through counseling method.

Group Methods

Our society contains groups of many kinds- school children, mothers, industrial workers, patients etc. Group teaching is an effective way of educating the community. The choice of subject in group health teaching is very important; it must relate directly to the interest of the group. For example, we should not begin discussion of the subject of tuberculosis control to a mother who has come for delivery; we should talk to her about child- birth & baby care. Similarly, school children may be taught about oral hygiene; tuberculosis patients about tuberculosis; and industrial workers about accidents. We have to select also the suitable method of health education including including audio-visual aids for successful group health education.

Small Group Discussion

The most appropriate number for discussion is 4- 8 but 10-12 members can also take part in the discussion. In a group discussion, there should be a facilitator. (A recorder may be appointed if any findings, view or decision need to be recorded or presented to a plenary session).

Time for Group Discussion

This educational technique can be used for one or more of the following purposes:

• To enable the participant to express his opinions in a group.
• To encourage people to become aware of and learn about problems of their neighbourhood, community, institution or organization.
• To learn about topics of mutual interest. d) Institution or organization.
• To learn about relationship necessary to mature living.
• To identify, explore or solve a problem.
• To decide on a plan of action.

Members & Their Roles

• The group leader or chair person: Who guides in the discussion. She is not necessarily an expert in the subject or the problem area from which the topic comes. She should be willing to acquire enough knowledge to understand the significance of the topic & the issue, which s/he suggests.
• The group participants: are those persons who take on active part in the discussion. They are:
  • Interested in the topic.
  • Willing to prepare for the discussion &
  • Willing to accept responsibility for sharing their ideas & opinions.
• The recorder: Writes on paper such as the group feels will be useful to record. He may record such matters as the points of agreement of disagreement, suggested actions & recommendation.
• A resource person or facilitator: May be used in the same way that a reference book is used.
• An observer: May be used to watch the process. He sits away from the group where s/he sees what is going on but he does not participate in the discussion.

Pattern of Communication

The group participants speak to one another & to e leader. The leader should not speak as equently as group participants.

Advantages

• It provides maximum opportunity for the acceptance of personal responsibilities for learning.
• A person can share his experiences & opinions & s/he gets reaction. It provides variety of viewpoints.
• It encourages a person to develop his ability to work as a team-member.
• Develops confidence in the group.
• Shy people may find it easier to express their ideas in a small group.
• Establish friendship & understanding among members.

Disadvantages

• Unproductive discussion results when the group does not have training in their roles at responsibilities.
• If the group leader is ineffective it might result into noisy group with poor cohesion.uni
• Some self conscious may not able to bring their valid ideas because of their fear of disapproval by other member.
• Actively talking member dominates the group.
• Takes time to get a final decision.
   

Panel Discussion

Procedure of panel discussion: A panel discussion consists of four types of persons. It means four roles are played in organizing panel discussion:

• Instructor.
• Moderator.
• Panelists.
• Audience.

Instructor:

In the panel discussion most important role is of instructor. It is responsibility of instructor, how, where and when panel discussion will be organized. The schedule of panel discussion is prepared by him/her sometimes she/he has to plan rehearsal of discussion.

Moderator:

In the discussion moderator has to do significant job she/he has to keep the discussion on theme and encourages the interaction among the members. S/he has to summarize and high light the discussion more often. The moderator must have the mastery on the theme or problem of the discussion.

Panelists:

There are 4-10 panelists in the discussion. The members of the panel sit in semi-circle before the audience. The moderator sits in the middle of the panelists. The panelist must have the mastery on the theme of the discussion.

Audience:

After the panel discussion, audiences are allowed to put question and seek clarification. They can present their point of view of their experiences regarding the theme or problem. The panelists attempt to answer the questions of the audience. In some situation moderator also tries to answer the question. At the end of the discussion, moderator summarizes the discussion and presents his point of view. S/he expresses thanks to panelists and audience.

Advantages

• Interesting & can draw attention of the audience or learners.
• If a panel is well conducted it can have dramatic effect that stimulates interest & promotes learning.
• Provides varied knowledge, ideas & experiences about the subject of concern to the learners.
• Learners get opportunity to ask questions & pass comments which helps in teaching learning process.

Disadvantages

• Sometimes it is difficult to get the appropriate experts.
• Difficulty in setting definite time to suit to the experts.
• People may discuss only those topics which interests them that might be unnecessary.
• Learners may get wrong information.
• The audience will remain passive & not actively participate in the discussion which may not make attentive that affects learning.
   

Focused Group

It is the method in which the group consists of certain target group. In this method, we don't form a group by taking members in general. In fact, we choose the group or form the group by considering their need. For example, to give health education on immunization, the focused group is antenatal mother, postnatal mother & women with child below one year to give health education on preparation of oral rehydration solution to people suffering from dehydration, diarrhoea etc.

Advantages

• A specific group is determined & focus is given to those
• The felt need of certain group is identified.

Disadvantages

• Only a specific group is benefited.
• Focus is given in only a topic in which other needs remain unidentified.

Role Play

Role play is acting out of real life situation. Pradhan, HB; 1995.

A role-play is a training method in which students act out roles in a situation related to the training/course objectives. - JHPIEGO, 1995

Purpose of role-play in Nursing  

• To convey information.
• To develop specific skills.
• To develop skill of situation analysis,
• To develop understanding of points of view of others.
• Increasing their insight into typical ways of dealing with them.

Principles of Role Play

• Role playing is flexible.
• Rehearsal not necessary.
• Analysis and evaluation is essential to attain the maximum learning benefits.
• Role play should be brief.

Techniques of Conducting a Role-playing

• Determine appropriate topic based on learner's need & interest for role-playing.
• Determine time, situation & place.
• Determine the characters & identify respective roles.
• Orient the character about the role-playing situation & roles.
• Collect & manage necessary materials to be used. Some relevant object may be needed like stethoscope for a physician, hand bag for health worker etc.
• Start role-playing as planned.
• The importance of time planning of overall session/division of responsibility eg.
• 10 min discussion
• 10 min preparation of 'roles' 5 min role- play.
• 5 min Summary
• Need to be more specific (narrow) in the objective if time is limited.
• Need to choose only the essential people for the play
• Receiving feedback
  • Listen carefully
  • Ask for feedback to be repeated if you did not hear it clearly
  • Clarify feedback.
  • Ask for ways you might improve
• Discuss & interact at the end to evaluate the role playing

Advantages

• Give opportunity to express ideas based on real life situation.
• Enables the learners to see things through the eyes of others.
• Develops the power of quick thinking & expression.
• Develops careful listening habit
• Makes people think in a more constructive way
• It is interesting & provides active learning opportunity

Disadvantages

• Sometimes, it will be a recreational activity rather than educational.
• Everybody cannot act successfully due to shyness, lack of experience, lack of confidence of expression skills.
• Every learner may not get opportunity to participate.

Demonstration:

Demonstration is the process of providing knowledge & skill as well as developing attitude of a small group of people through the manipulation of appropriate teaching devices or materials. Teaching by demonstration involves verb & visual explanation

Techniques of organizing & demonstration

• Selection of topic
  • Identify the content to be dealt in demonstration.
  • Establish some basic objectives.
• Preparation for demonstration
  • Make a check list of necessary materials & ensure that they are available & accessible. Use local materials & they must be large enough to be seen clearly & easily.
  • Decide upon the procedures to be followed. The steps should be in a logical order.
  • Collect the necessary materials & test carefully if they are in good condition.
  • If possible, practice the proposed demonstration before your friends. It will  help to improve & develop confidence.
• Starting the demonstration:
  • Arrange the proper place & seats.
  • Set up the materials in proper order.
  • Introduce yourself.
  • Clearly explain the topic & purposes of the demonstration.
  • Conduct the demonstration step-by-step as planned. Be sure each learner can see the demonstration well.
  • Keep the demonstration simple & brief.
  • Support the demonstration with picture charts & other appropriate materials or media conducting
  • Maintain eye contact & check each step asking question if they have understood well before going to the next step. Give enough time to think.
  • Do not hurry & prolong the demonstrations. The speed of presentation should be normal, speak slowly, records important points & ask questions.
  • If necessary repeat certain steps.
  • Give the learners opportunity to practice the demonstration & watch closely. It will help to develop accurate skills.
  • Summarize the presentation at the end of the demonstration.
  • Carefully store the equipments that are used in the demonstration. They can be used in future demonstration.

Advantages

• It is the effective teaching method, which involves varied learning experiences like seeing, hearing, feeling, testing & smelling depending upon the subject of demonstration.
• It is interesting & draws attention of each learner because of the active learning process.
• It helps to develop not only knowledge & attitude but also skills for required work performance.
• Student's achievement could be immediately assessed through verbal expression & skill practice.
• Provides concrete & realistic visual picture of what is being taught resulting in a more long lasting impression.
• It is cheap, practicable, accessible & useful for different categories of learners. It needs only limited materials & object. It can be used at different teaching learning situations at different places.

Disadvantages

• May not be appropriate to conduct demonstrative teaching on certain topic especially when there will be only cognitive gain.
• Sometimes, it may be difficult to get necessary equipment & materials for certain demonstration.

Field Trip

Definition

An educational trip is defined as "an educational procedure by which the student obtain first hand information by observing places, objects, phenomena or activities and process in their natural setting, to further learning."

Purposes

• To provide real life situations for first hand information.
• To supplement classroom instruction, to secure definite information for a specific lesson
• To verify previous information, class discussions and conclusion of individual experiments.
• To serve as a means of arousing specific interest in materials objects, places or processes.
• To serve as a preview of a lesson and for gathering instructional materials.

Techniques of Planning a Study Trip

• Arouse interest to the students for the trip through discussion.
• Determine the objectives of the trip.
• List down specific information to be obtained.
• If large group, divide & allot specific jobs.
• Get consent from the concerned authorities with the submission of outline description of the trip & its purpose.
• Make a preliminary survey of the place to visit, with a list of activities to be carried out and points of interest to see.
• Develop study trip schedule.
• Estimate required budget, arrange for transportation, lodging & food in case of night halt.
• Make arrangements with the authorized person at the destination point including for the service of a guide.
• Brief them-equipment or accessories needed data & time of transport, actual location, set up, conduct & behaviour during the trip, safety precautions to be observed.
• Make sure that every student can hear what the guide has said. Students must see the things and ask questions to clarify their doubts.
• Teacher should regularly check the group to make sure that nobody has been left behind.
• Arrange on the spot discussion during the trip to exchange knowledge, ideas and experiences. Observe & collect information needed, collect source/study materials if provided.
• Write a report with the observations, effectiveness of the trip & difficulties faced.
• Encourage students to put what has beer learnt into practice. Leaning should have practical implications.

Advantages

• Enforces the teaching resulting in better learning.
• Creates interest & curiosity for learning. It breaks monotony of the classroom & provides real life experiences.
• Enables students to relate what they have learnt in the classroom to the reality of outside world, providing touch with persons & with community situations.
• Helps to develop attitude, skill, thinking & critical learning.

Disadvantages

• Difficult to organize in terms of money, time & other facilities. It is time-consuming.
• There may be problem in establishing co- ordination with concerned agencies on authorities. Many parties to be involved for co- operation & co-ordination of various agencies required.
• Cannot be organized for every kind of learning group, for every kind of topic or subject, & in all situations.

Brain Storming (creative ideation)

Alex F. Osborn developed this method by using small groups to produce creative ideas. Here the health educator explains briefly the specific problem to be solved & to make quick responses or suggestions will help to solve the problems.

Advantages

• Opportunity to discuss openly without any flare of criticism.
• Enables individuals to think & respond quickly in participatory way. iii. Enables member to exchange ideas with one another.
• Makes members to think in creative way.
• Provides varieties of useful ideas in short time for quick group decision.

Disadvantage

• Ideas pulled out may not always be relevant and helpful to make group decision. It may happen, especially with the new learners.
• It might take some longer time & may not be appropriate for packed programme.
• The group may suggest solution that doesn't fit with readers, plans or programme.
• All ideas or suggestion should be considered but it may be difficult to recall or record them.
• It is difficult to decide if the group is too big.

Problem Solving/Problem Based learning (PBL)

It provides opportunity to the students for analyzing and solving a problem on the basis of the previous stock of their knowledge enriched with the present means available to them, quite independently by following some systematic steps and arriving at some basic conclusion or results to be utilized in future for the solution of the similar problem in identical situations.

Objectives

• To encourage critical thinking by the learners.
• To allow students to extend their knowledge and keep it up to date in their future profession.
• To provide knowledge in such a way that it is better retained and applied more easily in later professional practice.

Principles of Learning as Applied in PBL

• PBL typically involves students working on problems in small groups of 5-12 with the assistance of a faculty tutor.
• Problem serves as the context for new learning.
• Their analysis and resolution result in the acquisition of knowledge and problem solving skills.
• Problems are encountered before all relevant knowledge has been acquired.
• Students generate questions about what kind of knowledge is required to explain the mechanism underlying the cause of the problem.
• Significant time is available for independent study.
• PBL process is completed when students report in next meeting.
• The student's first goal is to relate newly acquired knowledge to the problem at hand.

Advantages

• People develop creative thinking and learning.
• People can develop the skill of solving problems.
• People are expected to research the problem themselves and solve them.
• They feel confident in facing the problems.

Disadvantages

• It is difficult to utilize problem-solving strategy for deriving specific educational purposes.
• Problem-solving strategy requires independent efforts on the part of participants to find out the solution of the problems. It requires proper patience, abilities and capacities.
• Takes a longer time.
• Needs different types of resources to solve the problems
• It may not prove useful for all because of different people's ability.
• If the teacher does not give adequate supervision, wrong solutions to the problem may be made.

Symposium

The world "symposium" has several dictionary meanings firstly, Plato has used this term for "good dialogue" to present the views towards God. Another meaning of the term is the intellectual recreation or enjoyment.

Purposes

• To investigate a problem from several points of view.
• To boost student ability to speak in group
• To make students to study independently.

Procedure of Arranging for Symposium

• Invite the speakers & give sufficient time to prepare.
• The chairman starts the symposium with a brief introduction of speakers, topic and calls upon them one-by-one to speak.
• After a speaker has finished & before another is to begin, a link between what has been presented and what is to be followed be given in his own words.
• Each speaker is asked to put his/her views.
• Arrange the chairman. The teacher or a student may function as a chairman

Advantages

• The symposium is of special use and relevance in any subject where a number of experts are available to take up different issues & viewpoints, and discuss thoroughly.
• Variety of speakers is involved so it is interesting & draws attention.
• Listeners are greatly benefited, as they understand particular subject through various aspects.
• Students get opportunity to explore their potentialities.
• Students get opportunity to learn from concerned experts & get up to date knowledge.
• Develops the habit of listening & critical thinking.
• Doesn't require special kind of materials & equipment.
• Gives deeper insight into the topic.
• This method can be used in political meetings.

Disadvantages

• It may be monotonous if the speaker do not prepare the speech well or deliver it smartly.
• Takes a long time to achieve the educational purpose.
• Symposium does not allow or give any scope for audience participation and feedback (One-  way communication).
• Difficult to adjust time at the convenience of the experts.
• If the speakers do not consult each other beforehand they may commit repetitions & divergence of opinions.
• Inadequate opportunity for all the students to participate actively.
• The discussion and presentation of theme is not summarized at the end.

Seminars

This method of teaching also involves discussion, but in an informal way. A group of 10-20 students take part in seminar. One student from the group prepares a paper and reads out; which is followed by the discussion open to the group. All students are expected to do considerable library research & their information from the primary source whenever possible.

Advantages

• Every student participates actively in library search or in learning.
• Student learns scientific approach to problem solving through literature search.
• It promotes analytical thinking & creativity among student.
• Students gain the experience of organizing an event.
• It develops team spirit in the group.

Disadvantages

• It is time consuming.
• It cannot be used for all level of students, especially for the students new to the programme.

Workshop

Workshop is an educational method to train or educate a group of people who belong to a specific discipline. It consists of a series of meetings, usually four or more, with emphasis on individual work, within the group, with the help of consultants & resource persons. A workshop group may consist of about 15-20 participants.

Techniques of Organizing Workshop

• Determine the need & purpose of the workshop.
• Plan for budget.
• Fix a suitable place.
• Develop workshop schedule.
• Invite the proposed participants stating the proposed time & the place of workshop.
• Arrange for necessary equipment, materials & teaching aids along with management for lodging & food.
• Manage for resource person or consultant to help organize as well as conduct the workshop well and achieve the objectives.

Techniques for Conducting Workshop

• In the beginning of the workshop the organizer receives the participants.
• Discuss on the purpose and schedule of the workshop. Make necessary modifications.
• The organizer gives the participants an opportunity to know each other. Normally, self-introduction is encouraged by name, post & address.
• Conduct workshop session. There may be one or two sessions a day. The participants elect hairperson for each session or for whole day. The chairperson will be from among the participants.
• Chairperson encourages the participants to take active part in the discussion so that each of them could contribute as well as learn something about the subject matter of discussion.
• The workshop organizer may throw some light on the objectives of the workshop. The experts or the consultants may also express their opinion & provide necessary information during the discussion period whenever needed.
• Sometime a full discussion on specific topics may be necessary & it will be done through small group discussion.

Advantages

• Helps to provide up-to-date knowledge & skill as well as to develop appropriate attitude.
• Encourages for team approach in learning & solving health problems.
• It helps to bring out the individual potentials.
• The workshop product as a solution to the problem will have better chance of acceptance, as usually implementers are involved in the workshop.
• Enhances participants' power of thinking & critical learning.
• Provides various learning experiences like listening, speaking, discussing etc.

Disadvantages

• Sometimes, it may be difficult to get appropriate consultant.
• Only limited number can participate in it.
• Needs more money, materials & physical facilities.
• Take long time to organize the workshop. It might take weeks or even months.

Mass Method

Health Campaign

Health education campaign is often termed as health campaign. It is a method of giving health education on particular health issue to motivate Targe number of community people to take necessary actions to solve their health problems.

This method helps to inform about the health problems &encourages them to participate actively in actions & programmes conducted in the community. In campaign, the information is provided through series of activities using different channels of communication & varied methods of health education eg. lecture, posters, pamphlets, street dramas, exhibition, film shows etc.

Health education campaign should also seek collaborative & co-operative approaches by bringing different local & appropriate agencies & personnel together to take part & co-operate for the success of campaign. For example, no smoking campaign, children nutrition campaign etc.

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According to American Marketing Association "Advertising is any form of non-personal presentation of goods, services or ideas for action, openly paid for by an identified sponsor." - WJ Station.

"Advertisement consists of all the activities involved in presenting to a group, a non-personal, audio or visual, openly sponsored message regarding a product series or idea. This message called an advertisement is disseminated through one or more media & is paid for by the identified sponsor."

In the advertisement

• Some should pay some cost.
• Should encourage people to do something provides services, goods & ideas to the concern field or persons.
• There should be sponsor
• Message makes relation producers & consumers.

Objectives of advertisement

• To support the producers.
• To contact with the public
• To develop the business relation
• To create new demand
• To introduce new goods in the market
• To inform new facts
• To develop good will of the business
• To succeed in the competition.

Display Boards as Teaching Aids

A display board is the visual teaching aid in the form of a flat surface on that the information to be communicated can be arranged in an attractive fashion. These days a large number of different kinds of display boards are available, such as blackboard or chalkboard, bulletin board, flannel board, magnetic board, etc.

Blackboard or Chalkboard

A blackboard or chalkboard is a slightly abrasive writing surface, rectangular size board made out of wood, ply, hardboard, cement, ground glass, asbestos, slate, plastic, etc. with black, green or bluish-green paint on it. White chalk sticks are generally used for writing on the blackboard or chalkboard. At times color chalk sticks are used for better illustrations.

Characteristics of Good Chalkboard

The recommended size of the chalkboard, the following characteristics of a board should be kept in mind.

• The surface of the chalkboard should be rough enough to hold the writing on the board.
• The surface of the chalkboard should be dull enough to eliminate glare which hampers visibility of the writing on the board.
• The writing should be easily removable with a cloth or foam duster.
• The chalkboard should be mounted on ar appropriate height within the reach of the teacher and within the angle of audience eyes (student's views).

Principles

A chalkboard is a convenient visual and which should be used complementary to other teaching aids. For writing important points, for drawing illustrations, for solving problems of mathematics and science and for giving notes to students, the chalkboard is a very useful teaching aid. The following points should be kept in mind while using the chalkboard effectively:

• The size of lettering should be large enough to be seen properly by the audience. The recommended height of the letters on the chalkboard is between 6cmx8cm.
• Plan the chalkboard work in advance in simple brief phrases and keywords.
• The room should be lighted properly and the chalkboard should be glare-free.
• Rub off the information already discussed and noted down by the audience.
• Use shading and underlining for stressing the keywords and statements.
• Use other supplementary teaching aids to emphasize and clarify the main concepts, new words and figures related to the information.
• Never use abbreviations and write incorrect spellings.
• Use the middle of the board to write the topic; the left hand side to write the main information that you need to refer again; and the right hand side to write the unfamiliar words or symbols that need explanation, or key concepts that needs underlining.
• As there is a tendency for the shoulder to go up and up to the right while writing, trying to pull the right shoulder subtly down for a long writing will help teachers in writing in a straight line. Always write in straight lines.
• Do not talk or starts explaining while writing on the board when your back is towards the audience.
• Use a soft cloth piece or foam duster for rubbing off the chalkboard.
• For rubbing off the writing on the chalkboard, it should be rubbed vertically first and then horizontally.
• Rub off the information that is not going to be used through out the talk as the overcrowded board leads to distraction.
• Stand on the one side of the chalkboard while explaining a point to audience. Use a pointer to draw attention to the written material on the chalkboard.

Advantages

• The chalkboard is a convenient visual aid for group teaching.
• The chalkboard is an economical teaching aid as it can be used over again and again.
• It is locally available technology and easily affordable.
• It saves teacher's time in summarizing the session.
• The chalkboard can work as a valuable supplementary teaching aid.

Disadvantages

• It can not be used for teaching a large mass.
• It plays no role in encouraging the active participation of the learner.
• The chalk dust adds to the uncleanliness of the classroom.

Bulletin Board

A bulletin board is the display board which shows the visual learning material on a specific subject. It is usually in the form of a framed soft-board or straw-board or cork-board with the help of thumb tacks. Other types of bulletin boards may be the portable types in the form of folding boards. Generally, bulletin boards have a blue blazer cloth to work as the back-drop and their most recommended size is 1.5m * 2m

Principles

A bulletin board can work as a useful teaching aid to create interest on specific topic among audience. For using bulletin boards effectively the following points must be kept in mind:

• Obtain enough illustrative material from various sources on a given subject or topic.
• Arrange the relevant material specific to the subject or topic.
• On the top center of the bulletin board fix a title for the specific subject of the display material.
• Below the title fix a brief description about the specific subject or topic.
• The height of the bulletin board should be one meter above the ground.
• The area where the bulletin boards are fixed or placed should be well lighted.

Advantages

Using a bulletin board as supplementary aid to other teaching aids has a few advantages. Some of the main advantages are listed below:

• Bulletin boards arouse audience interest in specific subjects.
• Bulletin board displays can be effectively used as follow-up of chalkboard work.
• Bulletin board display can be used to introduce a topic and as well to review it.

Disadvantages

• One way communication
• No active group participation
• It can not be used in large groupmass

Flannel Board

A flannel board is display board made of wood, cardboard or straw-board covered with colored flannel or woolen cloth. Display material like the cut-outs, pictures, drawings and light objects backed with rough surfaces like sand paper strips, flannel strips etc. will stick to the flannel board temporarily. 

Principles

A flannel board can be used in a variety. Some of the points to be kept in mind while using flannel board are as follows:

• Collect pictures, light objects or make cut- outs and back them with sand paper pieces.
• Display the material on the flannel board in a sequence.
• Change the pictures.
• Use flannel board to create proper scenes and designs relevant to the session.
• Keep flannel board in eye level.
• Give an introduction on topic of teaching.
• Don't stand in front of flannel board in order to let the audience see & understand the picture clearly.

Advantages

There are many advantages of flannel boards as they can provide continuity. Some of the advantages are given below:

• A flannel board display holds the interest of audience and arrests their attention.
• The quickness and ease with which the display material can be changed on a flannel board without use of drawing pins or tacks or paste make it a most desirable and convenient display board.
• Portable and durable.

Disadvantages

• Difficulty in drawing or finding out appropriate pictures.
• It can accommodate only limited information.
• Materials may not be visible to large groups.
• Corrections are difficult.
   

Magnetic Chalkboard

A magnetic chalkboard is a framed iron sheet carrying ceramic coating in some dark color generally black or green. A magnetic chalkboard can be used in the following ways:

• To write with chalk sticks, glass marking pencils and crayons.
• To display pictures, cut-outs and light objects with disc magnets or magnetic holders.

Using the Magnetic Chalkboard

A magnetic chalkboard can work as combination of chalkboard and flannel board type display board. Thus, a magnetic chalkboard add the dimension of visual presentation to the usual functions of a chalkboard, the points for using the flannel board and blackboard are combined.

Advantages

A magnetic chalkboard is a versatile teaching aid as it combines the advantages of both the blackboard and flannel board. Furthermore, it gives an added advantage of movement of visual material by sliding it along the surface of magnetic board which is not possible on a flannel board. Besides this, a magnetic chalkboard is light and can be made portable.

• Lecture

Lecture is an oral presentation of information and ideas by a person to a large group of people or mass, and generally in a face to face situation at a particular place. It is organized at a particular time usually for the people gathered together at a determined place for a common purpose. This method is also called pedagogy, which follows culture of silence in teaching learning process. Here, learners only listen to what the lecturer says.

Characteristics of Lecture

• Verbal and one-way communication of ideas and information by a person.
• The audience heterogeneous group. will be large and
• Message can be organized in a sequential way.
• Message will be long.

Techniques of Giving Lecture Effectively

• The subject of the lecture should be related to the needs and interests of the target audience. Sequence the points and follow the order.
• The speaker should be correct, simple and clear speak in a moderate speech.
• The speaker should get a thorough and up-to date knowledge of the content.
• The speaker should keep himself alert & active & should show appropriate gestures. Use of local proverb is interesting & helpful to explain ideas.
• Avoid monotony in voice. Try to change the pitch to the voice appropriately. The speaker can raise his voice while expressing important points to stress or emphasize.
• The speaker should try to know the feedback of the audience by watching their gestures, watch at different corners of the audience & show concern with them. His/her voice should reach to each of them.
• Brief speech should be made for avoiding boredom to the audience.
• The speaker should be sincere, pleasuring & properly dressed up

Advantages

• One person can provide health education to many people at a time even without the help of any other teaching materials.
• Cheap so can be adopted at different situations like in a school & a community.
• Message can be systematic.

Disadvantages

• Lecture is one-way communication method with exchange of ideas & views. Though, it is face to face communication there is no provision for the interpersonal reaction between the speaker & the audience. Only lecture is active but listeners are passive.
• Things learnt from the lecturer are retained for short period of time, so we may not expect of behavioural changes in the audience.
• Can not be evaluated if the audience have understood the lecture & put it into practice.
• It is difficult to draw attention of the audience for a longer period of time.

Exhibition

Systematic and meaningful display of educational material with an intention to educate a large number of people within a limited period of time and at a particular place is known as exhibition.

Planning of an Exhibition

• Decide target group and determine objectives.
• Effective themes are to be chosen. iii. Determine the accessible place convenient time.
• Prepare and collect necessary budget and other resources.
• Determine the suitable materials and methods to be used.
• Arrange the utilities in a proper way so that easy access for "in and "out" passages can be made.
• The captions used should be appropriate brief and clear.
• An interpreter should be standing by the side help the audience in need when the exhibits are not self-explanatory.
• Local participants should be provided the opportunities and local resources should be used as far as possible.

Procedures to Conduct Exhibition

• Inform the concerned target group about the time, place and subject of exhibition.
• Welcome the visitors and show interest and readiness to help them.
• Let the audience see the exhibition systematically as planned. The guide or interpreter can help for this.
• A provision for evaluation at the end exhibition should be made so that it would stimulate interest and assist in assessing the impact of exhibition.
• After the exhibition dismantle the displays and other settings properly and carefully. Save the exhibits for future use if possible.
• It can be made on group or individual basis.

Advantages

• They are the most effective means to provide health education since the audiences are able to pass through various experiences like learning, seeing, touching, feeling and tasting.
• Demonstration and manipulation of object provide opportunity for practical learning.
• These add sensory experiences to enforce learning and develop skill and attitude so learning is retained for a long time.
• Decorations, good setting and other displays make the exhibition attractive and interesting because those materials attract them and children especially are very eager to see and use them.
• Organizing and exhibition can help to develop creativity.
• Since it is mass method of health education, the teaching can provided to a large number of people at a time.
• The exhibit can also be stored for future purpose.
• By exhibition the goal of an institution can be easily met.
• Real situation and real objects can be used so it is attractive method of health education.
• Experts held this programme so; the facts and information are reliable and trustful.
• Exhibition is also self explanatory only in some cases it needs an interpreter to convey the message.
• Utilize the local resources during health exhibition eg.use of vegetables found in community to provide nutritional teaching. xiii. Involvement of literate and illiterate people.
• "A picture worth than stands words" proves to be true in this regard as the public can understand more picture than word.

Disadvantages

• Difficult to organize in terms of money, materials and human resource.
• Difficult to get appropriate place and adjust to the available time due to lack of resources, unfavorable weather etc.
• Difficult with organize to suit different kinds of people with different needs, backgrounds, interest etc.