Scribd
Upload
14 views

Use of Visuals in Science

Good for knowledge

Uploaded by

coviadobtz
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
14 views

Use of Visuals in Science

Good for knowledge

Uploaded by

coviadobtz
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

USE OF VISUALS IN SCIENCE

Visuals are any materials used to illustrate or to provide visual representation of information
such as not limited to drawings, models, micrographs, slides and demonstration. The literature on
visual aids identifies it as the bridging tool in contexts where there is no mutually spoken
language to communicate with, (Daniels, 2006). Visuals are of a great significance in science,
and the following are the uses of visuals.

To begin with, the use of visuals in a class situation helps learners to understand information
better in the classroom when they see it. Recent research by Turkoguz (2012) shows that when
learners are able to visualize abstract concepts, it allows them to adapt their existing knowledge
based on the newly acquired knowledge.” Visuals enables learners to communicate about what
they are doing and observing, and this improves understanding.”(Ferreira, 2013). For example, in
chemistry, students may understand better the description of different states of matter when a
teacher uses the visuals like stones, water, gas pump and others, rather than when the teacher
could have used none.

In the second place, the use of visuals is most appreciated in science in that they save time during
lesson delivery in that, large amount of information is displayed in ways that are easy to
understand. Rodger et.al. (2009), stated that, visual information is presented in the formats such
as images, flowcharts, diagrams, video, cards, simulations, graphs, cartoons, coloring books,
slide shows/ power point decks, posters, games, movies and flash. A teacher can use the above
mentioned formats to display large amount of information in ways that are easy to understand
and help reveal relationship and patterns. And in the process time is saved in that, the sooner the
students grasps the knowledge, the sooner the teacher can proceed to the next lesson.

In addition to that, visuals also aids memory, in that, students remembers information best when
it is presented both visually and verbally. Science being very abstract as it is, it requires the use
of visuals like during experiments, these visuals clarify abstract concepts more clearly and
visually in that students may never forget the concepts. These strategies help students of all ages
to better manage learning objectives and achieve academic success.
In the last place, visuals helps students to develop visual thinking which is significant in that
student understand and retain information better by associating ideas, words and concepts with
images.” The contribution of this research lies in its assessment of visual thinking
skills.”(Rodger et.al.2009).Turkoguz (2012) suggested that, learners understand symbolic
representations better because they can visualize and thus can construct accurate mind models.
visual thinking is required in that it promotes creativity in students, this helps the students to
apply the acquired knowledge in real world situations, like inventing or creating technological
things, e.g. information and communication technologies like phones, computers etc.,
transportation modes and systems like bikes, cars and many more.

To conclude with, visuals play a major role in science and hence must be promoted for the
betterment and successful science experiences. “These skills are the cornerstone of learning
science as learners are required to think critically about how different process work, and to figure
out what they are observing. Visual aids can thus stimulate communication and promote learner-
centered learning” (Turkoguz, 2012). Reaching this far I vote and declare that, visuals remain the
beating heart of science and hence teachers must see to it to apply them when teaching all
science subjects.

You might also like