Prerecorded instructional material and method of instruction

Claim 2

A magnetic audio tape employable as a learning aid, said tape comprising: a plurality of tracks extending longitudinally in a direction of advancement of the tape; each of first and second tracks including longitudinally spaced prerecorded sections separated by intermediate sections; said prerecorded sections of said first and second tracks being staggered with respect to each other in said direction of advancement, such that all of said prerecorded sections of said first track are entirely out of alignment with all of said prerecorded sections of said second track, taken transversely of said direction of advancement; said prerecorded sections having thereon recorded sounds, the recorded sound of each section on said first track being related as a learning aid to the next succeeding recorded sound on said second track, taken in said direction of advancement; and background sounds recorded along the entire length of at least a third said track being substantively related to the subject matter of said prerecorded sections so that the phrases of each section are associated with the background sounds, and thus with each other, by a listener, so as to enhance the learning effect and interest of the listener.

Claim 3

The tape of claim 1 wherein said background sound are recorded along the entire length of an additional, fourth said track.

Claim 4

The tape of claim 2 wherein said background sounds are synchronously recorded on said first and fourth tracks, said third and fourth tracks being adjacent each other and between said first and second tracks.

Claim 5

The tape of claim 3 wherein said tape is adapted for simultaneous reproduction of a first pair of tracks comprising said first and third tracks in a first speaker and simultaneous reproduction of a second pair of tracks comprising said second and fourth tracks in a second speaker with the relative volumes of said first and second pairs being selectively adjustable for selective emphasis of one of said first and second tracks without diminution of said background sounds.

Claim 6

The tape of claim 1 wherein said intermediate sections of said first and second tracks are unrecorded.

Claim 9

The method of claim 6 wherein first and second series of synchronous background sounds are provided, said first series of background sounds being associated with said first series of phrases, said first series of background sounds and first series of phrases comprising a first track pair, and said second series of background sounds being associated with said second series of phrases, said second series of background sounds and second series of phrases comprising a second track pair, each said first and second track pair being related and reproducible independently of the other track pair at selectively adjustable relative volumes, whereby emphasis may be placed on one said series of phrases without diminution of the volume of said background sounds heard by the listener.

Claim 10

A magnetic audio tape employable as a learning aid, said tape comprising: at least four tracks extending longitudinally in a direction of advancement of the tape; first and second of said tracks each including longitudinally spaced prerecorded sections separated by intermediate unrecorded sections; said prerecorded sections of said first and second tracks being staggered with respect to each other in said direction of advancement, such that all said prerecorded sections of said first track are entirely out of alignment with all of said prerecorded sections of said second track, taken transversely of said direction of advancement; said prerecorded sections having thereon recorded sounds, the recorded sound of each section on said first track being related as a learning aid to the next succeeding recorded sound on said second track, taken in the direction of advancement; a third and fourth said tracks adjacent each other and between said first and second tracks, said third and fourth tracks having background sounds synchronously recorded along their entire length, said background sounds being substantively related to the subject matter of the first and second tracks, so that the listener associates the phrases of each section with the background sounds, which leads the listener to associate the phrases with each other and thereby enhances the learning effect and interest of the listener; and a longitudinally extending strip between said third and fourth tracks, said strip preventing magnetic induction between the adjacent third and fourth tracks.

Claim 11

A magnetic audio tape employable as a learning aid, said tape comprising: at least four tracks extending longitudinally in a direction of advancement of the tape; first and second of said tracks each including longitudinally spaced prerecorded sections separated by intermediate unrecorded sections; said prerecorded sections of said first and second tracks being staggered with respect to each other in said direction of advancement, such that all said prerecorded sections of said first track are entirely out of alignment with all of said prerecorded sections of said second track, taken transversely of said direction of advancement; said prerecorded sections having thereon recorded sounds, the recorded sound of each section on said first track being related as a learning aid to the next succeeding recorded sound on said second track, taken in the direction of advancement; a third and fourth said tracks adjacent each other and between said first and second tracks, said third and fourth tracks having background sounds synchronously recorded along their entire length, said background sounds being substantively related to the subject matter of the first and second tracks, so that the listener associates the phrases of each section with the background sounds, which leads the listener to associate the phrases with each other and thereby enhances the learning effect and interest of the listener; and a longitudinally extending strip between said third and fourth tracks, said strip preventing magnetic induction between the adjacent third and fourth tracks.