Interactive Radio Instruction (IRI)
IDD pioneered the use of radio to bring curriculum and teacher training to classrooms in some of the world's least-developed countries. Throughout Africa and South America, radio has been a tremendous resource for learning and dissemination. Interactive Radio Instruction (IRI), which only requires a radio and an adult facilitator, reaches large numbers of teachers and learners who are isolated by distance and poor infrastructure. It can be used in almost any setting, from formal classrooms to community learning centers to outdoor venues.
IDD develops radio curricula that enliven the classroom with imaginative use of stories, songs, physical activities, and role-plays that encourage and model interactive exchanges between teachers and students. The exercises lead the children to use multiple skills beyond memorizing and repeating.
IRI also provides new opportunities for teachers. IDD programs are always accompanied by training to guide teachers to develop new and effective teaching skills, structure exercises and games that prompt analytical thinking, and encourage students to form opinions and hypotheses.
IDD works with local educators and musicians to develop IRI programs that are based on or enhance the national curriculum. After making an investment in the initial development process, countries can readily institutionalize IRI programs and sustain them via low per-student costs.
Information on the IDD projects involved in Interactive Radio Instruction (IRI).
