What should instructors consider when selecting instructional materials?

Instructors should prioritize the alignment of instructional materials with students’ learning styles and needs because this approach directly influences the effectiveness of the teaching and learning process. When materials resonate with how students learn best—whether through visual, auditory, kinesthetic, or other preferred modalities—it enhances engagement and facilitates understanding. Tailoring materials to meet these diverse needs can lead to improved retention and application of knowledge as students are more likely to connect with the content.

Using instructional materials that align with students' specific learning preferences helps create an inclusive learning environment that addresses various abilities and backgrounds, fostering a more effective educational experience. This consideration ultimately supports differentiated instruction, allowing teachers to cater to individual student needs and promote better overall learning outcomes.

While cost, preparation time, and popularity among peers are factors to be considered in the selection of materials, they do not directly contribute to the relevance and impact of the materials on students' learning processes. Prioritizing the alignment of materials with student needs ensures a more targeted instructional approach that enhances learning effectiveness.