3. Subject matter/teaching methods

The curriculum should provide details on what is to be taught and how it will be taught. It is important to select the appropriate methods for the chosen objectives and content areas. The teaching methods chart (see Annex 3) provides a summary of different methods and the objectives that each might fulfil. For example, lectures or information videos primarily fulfil knowledge objectives. Worksheet questionnaires or brainstorming exercises can fulfil knowledge or attitude objectives. Other more comprehensive methods, such as problem-based exercises and role-plays may be aimed at social action objectives, but they may also contain new information and present opportunities to explore attitudes. Behavioural objectives are best achieved by hands-on practice.

Sample exercises are provided for a course on “Basic environmental health” or on single topics from the text and others can be developed by using the following section on teaching methods. A curriculum which incorporates a variety of different teaching methods will be most effective and engaging for students.