Methods and media of health education

Audio aids for health educattion class presentation School of Health and Allied Sciences, Pokhara University

1. METHODS AND MEDIA OF HEALTH EDUCATION BIKASH DANGAURA BPH 5 th SEM PU, SHAS

2. INTRODUCTION Methods: Methods of health education are the techniques or ways in which series of activities are carried out to communicate ideas, information and develop necessary attitudes and skills for the promotion of health. Media: Media are teaching aids through which health education is provided. No any health worker or team can provide an effective health education for the whole community without the use and application of various medias for health education

3. BACKGROUND ON MEDIA FOR HE AND THEIR DEVELOPMENT The evolution and development of media has been rapid since 1920s. During the evolution and development of various medias, mass communication was dependent largely on what was printed (Poster, Pamphlets, Books, Newspapers etc.) Then came radio and then T.V. They have now become important parts of the modern civilization. Media are one way communication.

4. IMPORTANCE OF MEDIA Media are one way communication. They are useful in transmitting message to the remotest area. Their effectiveness can give high returns for the time and money involved.

5. CLASSIFICATION Individual Methods Interview Counseling METHODS AND MEDIA OF HEALTH EDUCATION METHODS MEDIA Group Methods Role play Demonstration Case Study Mini Lecture Field Trip Group Discussion Panel Discussion etc. Mass Methods Lecture Exhibition Campaign Audio Aids Radio Tape Recorder Cassette Player Visual Aids Projected Aids: Slide Projector (OHP) Non-Projected Aids: Poster, Pamphlets, Charts etc. Audio-Visual Aids: T.V., Computer etc.

6. Audio/Auditory Aids of Health Education They comprise aids through which learning occurs by hearing . These include Radio, Cassette Player and Tape Recorder. Radio is mostly used in mass teaching where as tape recorder and cassette player are used in individual and group teaching. Audio aids are considered less effective for providing health Education

7. AUDIO/AUDITORY AIDS FOR HEALTH EDUCATION Radio Tape Recorder/Cassette Player

8. 1. RADIO Radio is the audio aid through which messages are relayed to a heterogeneous and large group of people who are not physically present before the communicator. Health educators recommend and practice radio channel with an intention of creating awareness about health problem. Health message through radio can be relayed in the form of lecture, story, song, news, drama or dialogue etc.

9. ADVANTAGES Listening to the radio messages is helpful to all the people including literate and illiterate. One can give up to date information to a large number of people in a very short period of time. It prevents the barrier of distance and space. Some special radio programs could also be intended for a particular category of audience like students, group of community people, mothers group to provide health education. Radio meeting can also be conducted for health education and promotion. The health educator can encourage people to put into practice what they have learnt from program. Such kind of discussion is popularly known as radio meeting.

10. DISADVANTAGES Its one-way communication system. Not good for education and behavior change. The communicator cannot be sure if people are listening to and understanding his message. Sometimes there may be problem of electricity or batteries. It is difficult to evaluate the impact of radio teaching. Sometimes there may be language barrier to certain group of audience. Message received through verbal teaching cannot be learnt well and cannot be retained for a satisfactory period of time.

11. 2. TAPE RECORDER It is a small portable machine which is operated with the help of electricity or batteries. Circular tape can be recorded with necessary messages and can be played as our need. Cassettes can be labeled by the title of the subject to identify appropriate cassette for use. These days cassette tapes and cassettes players are commonly used for the same purpose of providing health education in remote and rural areas where there is no electricity.

12. TECHNIQUES OF USING A TAPE RECORDER Tape recorder or cassette player can be used in direct group teaching followed by discussion. In the beginning, introduction should be given by the health educator about the subject of teaching. During the teaching period the health educator can pause the tape wherever or whenever needed in order to explain the point. The teaching program should not exceed more than 30 minutes including the discussion.

13. ADVANTAGES It can be used to open a discussion, which leads to giving health education to a group. Health message can be recorded and played easily at different place. Message can be recorded and played easily at different place. Message be saved for future use. Easy to carry and use Can be paused while learning and teaching whenever and wherever necessary.

14. DISADVANTAGES One way communication system May be costly to afford Problem of repairing Everybody cannot use it Less effective learning Management for recording may take more time.

15. REFERENCE A Textbook of Health Education (Philosophy and Principles)-Prof. Hari Bhakta Pradhan . Textbook of Health education- Maheshwor Kaphle , Makalu Publication 4 th edition.