Do you know which type of presentation pupils remember best – text, graphics, or audio? Experts say that most people perceive visual information better – it is systematized faster, and color images are better perceived due to the inclusion of the emotional component. In this article, we will present a selection of popular visualization techniques that you can use during the teaching process.
Smart maps
This is a universal way of organizing information, adapted for the most productive perception of the brain. This technology teaches thinking in a new way, involving both hemispheres of the brain in active work. Opinions and conclusions are presented in a convenient format, with the inclusion of pictures and other supporting elements. The most popular scheme contains several components:
- keywords on the topic,
- graphics,
- arrows,
- and combining different blocks.
All this is designed to form an intuitive perception of information. Use free storyboarding software to create smart maps for your lessons.
Book trailer
This is a short video that reproduces in any form the story of a particular book. It is created by analogy with movie trailers. Typically, this method is used to increase interest in reading the book. Importantly, the trailer can be made by both the teacher and the students, depending on the purpose of the work. Its most interesting feature is the specific presentation of intriguing information.
GIFs and social networks
This is definitely an original way of modernizing the images of the classics of world literature. You can create a writer’s profile on social media or imaginary online correspondence between two artists, or even develop themed GIFs and emojis! It’s quite simple and, at the same time, captivating. Conducting lessons in this format will allow students to use convenient online tools while learning, as well as to discover their own creative abilities and make outstanding personalities from the textbook a little closer!
Interactive textbooks
This is a modernization of the usual format of books, which has become possible thanks to the latest advances in IT. The text of the book is supplemented by 3D models, audio, video, and thematic animations. Interestingly, such a format has existed for a long time and is now gaining more and more popularity. Most interactive books can be purchased on publishers’ websites.
Interactive timelines
This is a dynamic way of studying the chronological course of events by visualizing them. This method does not lose its relevance in any of the subjects. Timing can be used to test knowledge and learn a new topic.
Internet memes
This is any information presented wittily to attract the attention of Internet users. It reproduces a certain attitude to events or circumstances. The most popular are Internet memes in image format with an apt, humorous textual explanation. For a long time, it was believed that they are used online only for entertainment purposes, but it has been proven that they are also quite effective in education.
Lapbook
This is a homemade interactive notebook, where various informative materials on a particular topic are collected and brightly designed. The main advantage of a lapbook is that it is created by hand and designed to your liking – with the addition of various moving parts, pockets, envelopes, mini-books, or other elements. This allows you to structure information, actively participate in the learning process, and identify the creative abilities of students. This makes the studying process really exciting!
Scribing
This is a method of narration or explanation, accompanied by the parallel creation of schematic drawings that reproduce the key content of what is said. Thanks to the involvement of this technique, you can reinforce what is said graphically in the most understandable and attractive to the listener format.
Word clouds
A word cloud is a visual reproduction of word lists, categories, or labels in a single shared image. With the help of word clouds, you can visualize terminology on a particular topic. This facilitates the rapid memorization of information. You can easily generate a word cloud using special programs.
We believe that visualization is more than a powerful educational tool. The list of methods of information visualization is not limited to this. We invite you to share your own techniques and experience with us in the comments.
