Selecting instructional strategies for visual learners
What are some instructional strategies to use when working with visual learners?
As a visual learner myself, what i would find most helpful when listening to a lecture with a powerpoint presentation is to have the content laid out in a clear concise manner, with not a lot of fluff and filler, just the main points highlighted so that i can easily remember the main points and then be able to listen to the lecturer expound on the main points. Also if every couple of slides, the text is broken up with some photos or diagrams that enhance the presentation, this would help a visual learner.
Hi Ryan, Thanks for sharing good examples of engaging visual learners! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
Many if not most of my students are visual learners. We have to teach and teach effectively using both lab and lecture techniques. All of my students excel in the lab, but many of them tend to struggle in lecture. What I have found is that you must be able to keep the students engaged during lecture. Along with using what I saw in college used by effective and entertaining professors I attempt to use plenty of visual aids, whether it be powerpoint or prezi. Additionally when we are discussing certain hard to acquirer topics I try to use handouts or packets and walk the students through the packets, this way they are learning and filling out what they need to as they go. In this manner instead of me just being the talking head up in front of the class them can listen, but take notes and fill out what they need as we go and if there are any questions I find that the students ask deeper more well rounded questions when the have something visual right in front of them as reference.
I have to admit my tactics for instructing these individuals does not demand as much from me as the rest.That being said, first and foremost, I keep moving while I am lecturing. the more I move my body the more attention I seem to get from them. Also more illustrations in my Power Points than bullets. Moving while lecturing, illustrations and passing parts around the group seems to be effective.
Hi Jude, Thanks for your post to the forum. It is amazing how much material can be found on You Tube! I often incorporate the videos into my online classes. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
Hi Frank, That is a good strategy to avoid having "stagnant" power points in lessons! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I often use power points that not only have text with information, but reenforce the information with visual aid (pictures, graphs, quotes, comparisons, etc.) to help drive home the main point. ..When a student hears my words, reads the text themselves, and has a visual to support what's being discussed, then they are more apt to take part in the discussion because they feel more confident that they understand what I am trying to get across.
I often use YouTube videos, for example to show writers in conversation or reading their own work. However, I'm always aware that even those videos may be more appealing to learners who favor auditory methods, just as projecting everything for the class, although more visual, really favors readers, as most of what I deal in is text. Therefore, I look where possible for videos that illustrate the material. There are lots of great examples with a poet reading as voiceover for a visualization of the work. Or slam poets are great, when they take their work outside. Also, I love cartoons, which are about words and visuals. I recently used a mix of cartoons and real-life signage to illustrate grammar errors, for example. Finally, for my current students in particular, because they are so creative, I encourage them to create blogs using not only text but as much multi-media material as possible. It's interesting to see from the results who favors visuals. So far, this class is mostly focused on sound - but then they are musicians.
I will have multiple visual tools to use during all of my lectures . I have power points, handouts as well as a white board . I find myself showing the lesson on power point while using the whiteboard to help breakdown the key information.Often there is a handout with the same information or visual aids so a student may study them closer .
Hi Tiffany, Thanks for your post to the forum. I use Youtube videos in my online classes often. There is an incrdible amount of content available! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
When I work with visual learners one of the things I use is polleverywhere.com This site allows me to ask questions, the students get to finally use their phones in class and see instant results. Youtube video clips are always are great way to "see" how something works. I also use this old fashioned thing called an overhead where I can draw, write, scribble, and demonstrate as I talk which has been working for me for years.
Hi Tonaya, Thanks for your post to the forum. I am also a visual learner and find myself using similar strategies in my classroom.
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I, myself am a visual learner and I think that helps me teach to visual learners. I like to circle or put boxes around important information. I also sometimes refer to where the information is found (for example: page 23, in the top right corner in the red box) when we are discussing new topics and when we are reviewing.
Hi Sarah, Thanks for your post to the forum. There really is such a wealth of material available for visual learners! We just need to comb through to find what works best for us. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I would consider using videos, Power Point presentations, pictures, diagrams, and interactive computer games or simulations. These are a few methods I believe would engage the visual learner and help them integrate and remember the material.
I think the strategies used should be geared toward the fact that visual learners like to see it to know it. This could be done through the use of diagrams, pictures or videos during an instructional presentation. This will allow them to process the information through a means that they are more comfortable with.
Hi Monique, Thanks for your post to the forum. You describe a very interactive classroom - well done! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
Power Point presentations, artifacts, brain maps, the Internet, and graphic organizers.
I also use Clicker for my presentation, where students can answer a question I post, vote using their phone or tablets and the real time results will show on my presentation.
I also use blogs for discussions instead of lectures (edu.blogs)
Hi Paul, Thanks for sharing some ideas to make Powerpoint more dynamic! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
