PreviousRecommendations for using the filmstrip
The filmstrip, "Preserving tomatoes", is an audiovisual teaching aid. Its purpose is to show, during a training course, three preservation techniques. It is intended for extension workers, women's groups, farmers and anyone likely to be making tomato preserves.
To ensure the active participation of trainees and to use this audio-visual in the most effective way, the following recommendations should be borne in mind before a showing is organized.
The discussion leader
The discussion leader must have assimilated the content of the material he is going to present and must have thought out, in advance, the difficulties that could be encountered by the trainees so that he can, without hesitation, provide them with the necessary clarifications. The discussion leader must be familiar in projection equipment, audio-visual presentation techniques and in handling and maintaining projection equipment.
The discussion leader using the filmstrip must have been trained in the three preservation techniques and know how to make tomato preserves.
Projection
Two projections may be envisaged during one training course, one at the beginning and one at the end, so as to recapitulate what has been learned and reformulate the principles and rules to be applied in making good tomato preserves.
It is a good idea to combine the showing with an exhibition of relevant materials such as:
- posters, photos, press cuttings, sketches, etc...;
- materials used in making preserves;
- some finished products. These could be set out for trainees to taste.
The filmstrip is accompanied by a brochure and a commentary recorded on cassette. Signals are also recorded on the tape. These are reference points to ensure that the projection of the images is synchronized with the commentary. But the discussion leader can, if he prefers, read the text himself, dwell on certain parts of it, add comments or control the presentation and make sure that the group is taking it all in.
To obtain the full attention of the trainees, the discussion leader must prepare the projection well by:
- briefing the trainees with a short introduction before the projection starts;
- ensuring that nobody comes into the room during the projection, so that the trainees' attention will not be distracted or the message garbled;
- ensuring that no material difficulties will spring up to interrupt the projection. We shall see later the precautions to be taken;
- allowing time for questions during or at the end of the projection.
The projection may well attract uninvited spectators whose presence will render it virtully useless. The filmstrip should be shown to a small group of trainees, possibly with an additional performance for people who are interested or just curious.
Materials
To avoid the many practical difficulties that could arise, the discussion leader should make a list of accessories not to be forgotten and checks to be made, such as:
- make sure that the projector is working before the session;
- if the projection is done with a 12-volt battery, check the charge of the battery before setting out for the field;
- remember to check the voltage of the projector lamp: 110 or 220 volts with alternative current, 12 volts with the battery;
- remember to bring a spare lamp; know how to change it quickly if necessary;
- make sure there are several cables, all long enough, and a 3-way plug;
- remember to bring the right filmstrip adaptor for the filmstrip to be projected - orizontal or vertical;
- before the session, check that the filmstrip is put in the projector properly and will run smoothIy;
- if the filmstrip is accompanied by a soundtrack recorded on cassette, check the recorder for sound and for the state of the batteries;
- etc....
Each discussion leader must draw up his own list depending on the material he has and the conditions of use.
The role of discussion leader is of paramount importance. The discussion leader must make sure that the knowledge transmitted by the audio-visual has been understood. The filmstrip can in no case replace the discussion leader. On the contrary, the filmstrip must be considered as a teaching aid, an instrument that the presenter uses to reinforce, facilitate and improve his work.