Visual learning goes hand in hand with the saying: “A picture is worth a thousand words”. While this may seem hyperbolic, it’s nevertheless true, especially when it comes to learning or remembering information. After all, isn’t it easier to recognise a wrong answer when it’s written in red? Didn’t we learn that the heart was not shaped like the emoji when we saw an illustration of the human body?
Many more examples could be given. However, there is no need to go into the details to realise that visual learning plays a role in the way we interpret, assimilate and retain information. And, although learning styles are diverse and varied, and are also unique to each individual, there is no denying that visual learning promises to be extremely helpful for students with learning difficulties.
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What is visual learning?
Visual learning consists of assimilating information by seeing it. This is a simple and short definition which, although accurate, does not convey the extent of the impact this learning style has on learners.
In fact, the NIH study have shown that people only remember 10% of what they hear and 20% of what they read, but 80% of what they see and do. From this, it is not difficult to gather the importance of this way of learning in the assimilation process. We can also easily work out that information presented in a visual format is easier to retain.
This is particularly interesting for students, who are given new information on a daily basis that, over the days, becomes blurred until it is forgotten. In this case, visual learning helps to make the information to be retained more interactive, more impactful and, as a result, more memorable.
For example, science, math, and technology are often taught through visual aids such as diagrams, graphs, and animations. These visual aids help to make abstract concepts more concrete for students. Similarly, history and social studies can be brought to life using maps, calendars and pictures. This makes it easier for students to see the relationships between events and people.
It could almost be said that visual learning transforms information to remember into an experience.
Visual Learning for Visual Learners
Each individual has their own preferences and learning abilities. Therefore, what works for one does not necessarily work for the other. So, while visual learning may be effective for some, it’s not necessarily suitable for all. As a result, although you might think that visual learning might be the best, it’s important to note that visual learning only reaches its full potential with visual learners who are people learning best by visualising.
Visual learners have a preference for using images, videos and other visual aids to understand concepts. They are often able to visualise information easily and can memorize it more effectively when it is presented in visual form. However, this does not mean that this method is the most effective for all types of learners. Some may prefer more auditory or kinaesthetic approaches to assimilating information.
It is important to recognise and respect the different ways in which individuals learn in order to create an inclusive and effective learning environment for all.
Other Types of Learners
While some people may show a predominant affinity for a specific learning styles, it is essential to recognise that this inclination does not operate in isolation. On the contrary, individuals often harbour a mixture of learning styles, each contributing uniquely to their educational journey. For example, a primarily visual learner might find tactile and kinaesthetic experiences equally rewarding, exploiting a variety of sensory stimuli to deepen understanding and retention.
By acknowledging the multifaceted nature of learning preferences, you can craft more holistic and inclusive instructional approaches. Incorporating a variety of learning modalities ensures that learners with differing strengths and preferences can fully engage with the material. This inclusive pedagogical stance not only accommodates diverse learning profiles but also fosters a more equitable learning environment where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
Tactile Learners
Tactile learners thrive when they can engage with their environment through touch and hands-on experiences. They often find traditional learning methods less effective and may struggle to stay focused without physical interaction. For them, the real magic happens when they can dive into hands-on projects or engage in activities that allow them to manipulate materials directly.
Whether it’s building models, conducting experiments, or exploring through physical play, tactile learners benefit greatly from opportunities to engage their senses and actively participate in their learning journey. Providing these experiences not only enhances their understanding but also fosters a deeper connection to the subject matter, making learning more meaningful and enjoyable for them.
Kinesthetic Learners
Kinesthetic learners are those whose optimal learning experiences are deeply intertwined with movement and physical engagement. Unlike their counterparts who thrive in stationary environments, kinesthetic learners may find extended periods of sitting still challenging and counterproductive to their learning process.
For them, the act of moving, whether it’s pacing around the room, using gestures to express concepts, or engaging in hands-on activities, is not merely a distraction but an essential component of absorbing and retaining information.
In educational settings, accommodating kinesthetic learners might involve incorporating physical activities into lessons, providing opportunities for hands-on experimentation, or allowing for periodic breaks to encourage movement. By recognising and embracing their unique learning style, you can create a more inclusive and effective learning environment that caters to the diverse needs of all students.
School Planners Support Visual Learning
Student planners are particularly well-suited to this form of learning. When they are fully customisable, they enable the addition of visual aids that are in line with teachers’ teaching styles, as well as with the curriculum.
These visual aids, whatever they may be (images, maps, diagrams, etc.) make the information more accessible to students. They are often more attractive, and tend to capture students’ attention more easily. As the latter is difficult to obtain and maintain, particularly with students with learning difficulties such as ADHD or SEND students, this a can prove useful
Visual Learning in Planners for Special Educational Needs Schools
Visual learning in student planners can be very beneficial for students conditions such as ADHD and learning difficulties, as it provides a clear and structured way of organising tasks and information.
- Colour-coding is a simple yet powerful technique that students can use to categorise tasks or subjects. Assigning different colours to different classes or types of assignments can help students quickly identify and prioritise their tasks.
- Visual timelines are another valuable tool as they provide students with a clear overview of their deadlines and commitments. By incorporating monthly or weekly calendars into their planners, students can visually map out their schedules, making it easier to plan ahead and allocate time for studying, homework, and extracurricular activities.
- Icons and symbols can help students visually represent important information or tasks. For instance, using a book icon to denote reading assignments or a pencil icon for writing tasks can make it easier for students to quickly recognise and understand their academic responsibilities.
- Weekly or monthly overviews allow students to see their upcoming assignments, tests, and deadlines at a glance. By providing a visual representation of their academic commitments, these overviews can help students better manage their time and avoid last-minute cramming.
Customising school planners allows for the incorporation of these visual elements tailored to the specific needs and preferences of students, whether they have ADHD or Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The Benefits Offered By Our Student Planners
At The School Planner Company, we are committed to providing our student planners with solutions that make learning easier and smoother for all students. Although it is easy to establish the profile of a group of students, it would be a mistake to assume that a student planner that meets the needs of this group is suitable for all the students within it. In fact, this would require the student to adapt to their planner, when logic would expect it to be the other way around.
Therefore, to ensure that the student planner is the one that adapts to the student, our student planners are fully customisable. This allows teachers at a school to propose solutions and implement processes that are tailored to the needs of their students. After all, who better than them to know what the students they work with every day need?
To find out more about how our student planners can help your school deliver adaptive solutions such as visual learning, please contact us with your questions or order your free sample pack containing our library and a student planner.
Conclusion
In conclusion, visual learning stands as a powerful tool in education, offering a dynamic and engaging way for students to absorb and retain information. From colourful diagrams to interactive timelines, visual aids play a crucial role in making abstract concepts tangible and memorable.
While visual learning may not be the preferred style for every student, its benefits are undeniable, especially for those with learning difficulties such as ADHD or SEND. By embracing customisable student planners that cater to diverse learning needs, schools can create inclusive and effective learning environments where every student can thrive.
Learn more about our planners
As well as helping you to improve your students’ school life, our student planners offer you, and your students ,many more benefits, such as better planning and organisation, which you can discover by ordering your visiting our dedicated page.