The characteristic of a good instructional aid include all EXCEPT :

IGNOU PB Bsc Entrance-2023

Nursing Education

Easy

Appeared in: IGNOU PB Bsc Entrance-2023

Explanation

The primary goal of an instructional aid is to simplify complex topics and make learning more concrete and understandable.
A complex aid would be counterproductive, increasing the learner's cognitive load and potentially causing confusion.
Simplicity is a core principle in designing effective educational materials; the aid should clarify the subject, not become a new subject to be studied.
Therefore, being 'complex' is a negative attribute and not a characteristic of a good instructional aid.

Option A: Being 'cost-effective and cheap' is a desirable characteristic. It ensures that the aid is accessible, can be widely distributed, and is practical for use in various settings, including those with limited resources.
Option B: Portability is a positive and practical feature of an instructional aid. It allows the educator to easily transport and use the aid in different locations, such as classrooms, clinical settings, or community health camps.
Option C: Being 'purposeful' is one of the most critical characteristics of a good instructional aid. The aid must be directly aligned with the learning objectives to be effective; otherwise, it is merely a distraction.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Characteristics of effective instructional aids as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
In nursing, patient education is a critical responsibility. Nurses use instructional aids like pamphlets, models, and diagrams to explain health conditions, medications, and self-care procedures.
These aids must be simple, clear, and purposeful to ensure patient understanding and adherence. A complex, jargon-filled brochure would confuse a patient and compromise their care.
What if? If a nurse is teaching a newly diagnosed diabetic patient how to use a glucometer, a simple, large-print, step-by-step visual guide is effective. If the nurse instead provided a complex engineering diagram of the device, it would be inappropriate and increase patient anxiety, making it a poor instructional aid.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keyword 'EXCEPT' in the question stem. This indicates you must find the option that does NOT fit the description of a 'good instructional aid'.
Next, consider the primary purpose of an instructional aid: to make learning easier, clearer, and more effective.
Evaluate each option against this purpose.
Ask yourself: Does being 'cost-effective' help? Yes, it makes it accessible. Does being 'portable' help? Yes, it makes it convenient. Does being 'purposeful' help? Yes, it makes it relevant.
Finally, ask: Does being 'complex' help? No, it makes learning harder. This contradicts the core purpose of an instructional aid.
The option that contradicts the fundamental goal is the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Characteristics of effective instructional aids
Stem keywords: instructional aid, characteristic
Lead-in keywords: EXCEPT
Negative lead-in flag: The question asks for the characteristic that is NOT part of a good instructional aid.

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