Instructional Materials

ANALYZING INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS (AIM)

The “AIM” process is an evidence-based method of analyzing instructional materials with the goal of promoting greater student inquiry. One of the core beliefs of MSSELI is that inquiry-based instruction—whereby students are encouraged to ask explorative, probing questions rather than simply observe and take notes—naturally engages students in the investigative nature of science.

The AIM process is designed to promote educator scrutiny of standards-based instructional materials in order to establish how these materials jibe with an inquiry approach to teaching and learning. It helps educators translate science standards into meaningful instruction for all students.

The AIM model has four dimensions for analyzing instructional materials: alignment, augmentation, accessibility, and assessment. Using AIM, Fellows are able to enrich their instruction by consistently adjusting the existing curriculum to encourage student inquiry and engagement. It is well documented that higher student engagement is an essential component of improved learning outcomes. For MSSELI Fellows, AIM has proven an effective professional development tool for curriculum improvement. The MSSELI implementation of AIM is a result of the BSCS work on the AIM process, which is based on studies and analyses by the K–12 Alliance, a division of WestEd.