The use of visuals in the classroom is a simple way to engage students. Visuals further classroom discussion, and stimulate creative thinking. No matter the individual learning style, be it hands on, verbal, or intrapersonal, all learners benefit from a thoughtful image that conveys a meaning. There is also a very practical reason for the use of visuals: it takes less work on the teacher's part.
How would I be able to explain what a road runner looks like without an image of the bird? I could also put the cartoon roadrunner next to a real one, and hold a discussion on differences/similarities.
Dan Meyer, a high school math teacher in Santa Cruz, CA, makes a strong point that the difficulty with visuals is to select the right one. The right kind of visual requires creativity and innovation, and that can be time consuming. He may be right on this one, but I was given some solid advice by my Professor Steven Knight (@plan3t_t3ch) which is to keep a visual diary. Every day take a photo of some object, maybe a set of silverware or a truck, which can be used to good effect in a future lesson.
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