Chapter 5: Visualisation as a teaching strategy

Abstract

Chapter 5, "Visualisation as a Teaching Strategy," introduces visualisation in classroom settings, highlighting its characteristics, benefits, limitations, and practical guidelines. Visualisation is a powerful instructional method that enables students to create mental representations of studied materials, thereby enhancing comprehension across subjects. It involves various strategies, such as mental imaging, visual aids, simulations, art, and role-play, all aimed at making content memorable and engaging. Visualisation fosters creativity and critical thinking by transforming abstract ideas into more accessible, concrete forms. Techniques like simulations and role-play help students immerse themselves in complex concepts, leading to deeper engagement. However, visualisation has certain limitations, including high costs, limited accessibility, and the potential for overreliance on visuals. Educators are advised to follow specific "dos" and "don'ts" when implementing visualisation strategies to ensure effectiveness. Key practices include using colours, charts, and real-world examples to clarify information, experimenting with diverse tools, providing constructive feedback, encouraging collaboration, and incorporating hands-on activities. Case Studies A and B in this chapter illustrate the impact of visualisation on teaching and reading comprehension. Teachers are reminded to avoid common pitfalls to create impactful visual aids that foster student engagement and support the learning experience.