These aids have an appeal to the ear. The pupils listen and learn. This requires calm atmosphere, free from distraction. Proper listening skills should be developed in the students.

1. The Gramophone.

The gramophone records can be used for a number of purposes. These are especially useful for the teaching of music and language.

The linguaphone records can be used to teach language correctly, especially good pronunciation and good speech. Vocal or instrumental items of music by good artists can be heard in the class.

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The teacher should know exactly what the record contains. The teacher should tell before hand as to what things the pupils should listen and note carefully as they listen. The same phonograph record can be played again and again. The students note the intricacies of music or language as the record is played.

2. Tape-recorder.

The tape recordings are the most useful auditory aids. The tape-recorder can be put to multiple uses. It can be used to teach pronunciation. The pupil’s own voice can be recorded and heard in the class. When he learns how his language sounds to others, he realises the desirability of learning correct speech and pronunciation.

He can also compare it with teacher’s articulation or with the correct one already recorded. The tape-recorder can be used with good advantage in the learning of music. Important speeches, talks, songs, interviews, musical- performance etc., can be recorded conveniently from various sources. Good radio programmes can be tape-recorded and can be played back at will.

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Tapes on scientific, historical, geographical and current affairs can be purchased from various agencies.

3. Radio.

The class-room use of radio broadcasts is increasingly felt by the educationists. These can supplement and enrich class- room instruction. The pupils and the teachers can listen to expert teachers in various subjects like science, mathematics, music, languages, art, social studies etc.

Radio talks bring a welcome change in the class-room atmosphere. The pupils may be encouraged to carry on follow up discussion, projects or other creative activities. Broadcasts infuse a new life into the curriculum by correlating knowledge and skills to the immediate needs in the natural and social environment of the learners.

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Radio lessons are suited to group instruction. Distance and number are immaterial. For the effective use of the radio, there should be close coordination between the schools and the broadcasting authorities.