Quality of learning materials

Abstract

With this article, we wish to discuss what learning materials are and how they can be included in didactic strategies. The question of what makes a good learning material can be answered in several ways, and places demands on professional judgement. Firstly, the answer will depend on how we view the learning material, as well as what type of learning material we are looking at, which is why we will start with a definition and typology of learning materials. Secondly, we will look at learning materials from three time perspectives: the potential didactic potential, the actualised didactic potential and the realised didactic potential. We will then attempt to identify five quality perspectives, each of which can contribute to the assessment of a learning material’s quality based on objective, users, effect, standard and organisational system. As an example of how one can interpret the perspectives, we present quality principles for digital learning materials that have been formulated on the basis of existing knowledge of learning materials’ design and effect. Finally, we reflect on the significance of professional judgement in the assessment of the quality of a learning material.