3Ms: Media, Method, and Message

From Wikitechbook--the student-developed, technology textbook 

 

A clear understanding of the 3Ms (media, method, and message) can help teachers plan more effectively for instruction. With a more rich understanding of the relationship and influence each element has with each other, teachers can more effectively structure their classes to better suit the needs of the students. When students needs are better met, they are more likely to succeed academically.

 

What is Media?

Media is the tool used in communication, it is also referred to as the channel of communication.  The use of multimedia in the classroom is beneficial because it keeps student's interest and can motivate them to become discovery learners. When different types of media are used in the classroom various Multiple Intelligences (MI's) can be reached. Using media can help students develop higher thinking skills because it corresponds with real world applications. These higher thinking skills prepare them for higher education and the real world. Some types of instructional media include: text, visuals, audio, manipulatives, video and people.  Teachers use various types of media in their classrooms.  Examples of non-projected media are diagrams, posters, photographs and drawings that are hung around the room.  According to the article "Instructional Media: Chalkboards to Video," more specific types of instructional media include: interactive smart boards, overhead transparencies, power points, computers and display boards, which are all types of projected media.  It is also important for teachers to stay on top on new technology that is being introduced.  By keeping the media you use in your classroom up to date it will help the students stay ahead of the game. Here are a couple websites about new technology: Ever-changing Technology, Cutting Edge Technology.  Have you every thought about using a blog in your classroom.  See if you can come up with ways by watching this video.

 

 

What is the Method?

The method is the way of getting the message across. In order for the students to truly understand the topic and information, the method needs to be engaging and needs to pertain to the way the students learn. Each student has a different way they take in information and in these times when we are trained to change our focus a lot, holding attention is harder that getting it so a multi-sensory approach is best to get through to the majority of the audience.  For example, one student may be a more visual learner and needs a powerpoint or a video to really grasp what is being taught. Another example would be if a student learns better by just listening to a lecture and taking notes. Having many different methods to teach from will help your students to learn.  There are two main types of instruction, which are direct and indirect instruction.  Direct instruction is a more structured approach and has a great deal of student-teacher interaction.  Indirect instruction is a more student-centered way of learning.  The latter method involves students investigating, observing, and exploring their own interests. There are multiple methods that can be used to motivate students through direct instruction, such as cooperative learning, drill and practice programs, demonstrations, lecturing, and structured overviews.  Methods that would motivate students more through inderect instruction would include problem solving, case studies,cloze procedures, and reading for meaning.  More of these types of methods can be read about here.  Every student has different learning preferences; therefore, a variety of methods are best in a diverse classroom.  It is important to use multiple types of media in the method so everyone can have the best opportunity to learn.

For more information on the impact of different method techniques on students visit the links below:

• How the medium changes the method
• How Method Enhances Learning

• Types of Methods Used by Teachers 

   

What is the Message?

Message is the information, attitude, skill or strategy that we intentionally think of or have previously learned.This is what is being conveyed for another person to learn through some form of communication including words, actions, and even signals. Specifically for teachers, it is what needs to be taught to your students, a Grade Level Expectation (GLE) for example.  Teachers must be aware that all students learn differently and have their own styles; therefore, when trying to get the message across, different media and methods are needed.  It is essential to have a refined, focused, and compelling message that is appealing to the specific group of people.  More about communicating effectivly can be found below.

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There also needs to be real substance to what you are trying to communicate and it must be refined to hold attention.  The message must always make sense to us and they are not just to inform us, they make us want to act a ceratain way.  The message goes hand in hand with media because it can be presented orally, through text, video, audio, and images.  In order to get the message out, we have to know how to commucate.  Message is something that is all around us and that can always be improved, changed, and most importantly taught.  Therefore, media and method should be incorperated in various ways to achieve a clear message and the ultimate learning environment.  For further study:

• What Effect Does Media Have on a Message?

 

3 M's A=Message B=Media C=Method

  

References

• http://eduscapes.com/tap/topic68.htm
• http://www.indigospin.com/potluck-part1.html

 

 

Related Resources

•  Instructional Technology and Media for Learning by Smaldino, Russell, Heinich, and Molenda.  (2005)

 

Quiz-yourself Questions

1)  Which of the following is NOT a way in which media supports changes in      method?

                      a) focus more on student-centered learning

                      b) stimulation becomes multi-sensory

                      c) context is isolated

                      d) includes more multi-media 

 

2) The message is the information, attitude, skill or strategy that we intentionally think of or have previously learned. Can message change when media or method changes?

                       a) True

                       b) False

                      

3) Which of the following is not a type of media?

                      a) smart boards

                      b) photographs      

                      c) people            

                      d) standardized tests

 

4) An example of a non-projected media is a/an:

                      a) poster      

                      b) Smartboard                

                      c) overhead projector       

                      d) PowerPoint presentation

 

5) The method of instruction is defined as the way the teacher presents the topic and information to the class.

                      a) true           

                      b) false

 

6) Which is NOT an example of a method? 

                      a) presentations

                      b) demonstrations

                      c) discovery      

                      d) all are examples of method 

 

7)Which of the following is a projected media?

                     a) charts      

                     b) pictures

                     c) Smartboard

                     d) posters

 

Ansers To Quiz

1. c
2. b 
3. d
4. a
5. a
6. d
7. c

 

Developers of this page

• Contributors from SBU: Zack, Will (January 2008), Melissa, Lauryn, Michal (Sp. 2008) Joy, Amy, Katie, Sara, Starla, Micah, Shawn (Sp 2008) Holly, Cami, Kendra (Fall 2008) Katie and Nikki (Jan. 2009) Caleb (Sp. 2009) Lance (Sp. 2009) Derek (Sp. 2009), Jordan Hart (October 2009), Josh (Fall 2009)