Visual Learning Techniques
Visual learning is a teaching method where ideas, concepts and other information are associated with images and are represented graphically.
New visual, audio and multimedia tools introduced today might be complicated and costly for public school teachers. However, there are simple graphic organizers that you can use if you want your students to enhance their visual memory. Graphic organizers such as webs, idea, and concepts maps can enhance critical thinking, retention, comprehension, organization and other learning skills.
| webbing
| idea map
| concept map |
| Description | maps that show how
different categories of
information relate to
one another | maps that connect
keywords, symbols,
colors and graphics
to form nonlinear
networks of potential
ideas | maps that illustrate
relationships of
information. Two or
more concepts are
linked by words that
describe their
relationship |
| Use | provide structure for
ideas and facts and
give students a
flexible framework for
organizing and
prioritizing information | stimulate students to
generate ideas, follow
them through and
develop their thoughts
visually | help students recall
ideas and terms, and
highlight what they
know and don’t know |
| Target | small group who
brainstorm, organize
information for
writing and analyze
stories and
characterization | students who search
for ideas for writing
assignments, making
projectsand
presentations | ideal for measuring the
growth of student
learning as students
reiterate ideas using
their own words |
See Examples:
Webbing - http://www.inspiration.com/vlearning/index.cfm?fuseaction=webs
Idea Map - http://www.inspiration.com/vlearning/index.cfm?fuseaction=idea_maps
Concept Map - http://www.inspiration.com/vlearning/index.cfm?fuseaction=concept_maps
Sources:
“The power of visual learning”. Inspiration Software.
http://www.inspiration.com/vlearning/index.cfm
“Concept Maps.” Maricopa.
http://www.mc.maricopa.edu/dept/d43/glg/Study_Aids/concept_maps/conceptmaps.html
