How to Teach Visual Learners

Ninety percent of learning uses the visual system, so finding the best ways to use visual methods in teaching can make the learning process much more fun and engaging for students.

Take our Vision Quiz to learn whether you should explore Vision Therapy

Teachers are tasked with molding, shaping, and of course, educating young minds. They are expected to teach reading, writing, arithmetic, and a slew of other subjects that children need to know. Most teachers do not choose their profession in order to teach children how to merely pass tests. Nevertheless, they are required to help their students get good grades in order to pass their classes, standardized exams, and boost overall school ranking percentiles.

Supporting Students in the Classroom

In order to maximize their students’ skills and help them succeed, teachers and educators alike need to be aware of how their students learn and by extension, how to support each student’s personal and academic development. That’s why teachers spend a good deal of time not only developing creative ways to present information, but methods to ensure their students can absorb and process the ways in which the environment they’re in supports these efforts.

Visual Learning Ideas You Can Use to Teach Effectively

There are numerous visual learning methods which can be used in classrooms that can make learning not only possible, but enjoyable. By using these methods, students have a greater chance of learning well and performing successfully.

The use of visually interactive computer software gives students an opportunity to see ideas in illustrated form. History students can trace the movement of ancient peoples from one land to another, while literature students can better understand “amber waves of grain” in picture form.
Charades-influenced word games, like Pictionary for example, enable students to act out or draw what it is their learning. Science students can illustrate “gravity” by acting out something falling on the ground, or by depicting music that describes the concept. Consider the song “Defying Gravity” from the play “Wicked,” for example.
Active visualization that allows students the opportunity to close their eyes and conjure an image of what they’re learning, encourages creativity, independent thinking, and critical thought. By encouraging students to describe what they see in their mind’s eye, they can come up with innovative ways of understanding the material that’s been presented to them.
Academic material that is heavily illustrated can help learners who do better with presented images versus those they create in their mind. This skill is in many ways its own illustration of the phrase, “a picture is worth a thousand words.”
Encouragement of students’ artistic expression allows them to sketch what they’re learning in ways that make sense to them. Math students who have to solve for letter variables, can use pictures of apples or beach balls instead of the letters x or y.
The use of math manipulatives that encourage students to measure their physical environments by unorthodox means can make learning creative and fun. Instead of using a ruler or tape measure to define their physical space, students can determine the width of a classroom by how many pencils fit between the walls. What’s more, students can choose what implement to use as a measurement tool.

Engaging videos that are age and subject appropriate can go a long way in teaching students about a variety of topics, from colors, to biology, to astronomy. Learning through videos often provides a relaxed environment that allows students to take in a good deal of information in what can feel, though not always, like a day at the movies.
Journals in which students are allowed to record the pictures, thoughts, and feelings that come to mind as they learn can provide students with a reference book that helps them tap into what they’re learning and more, how they are processing what they take in.
Mind-mapping is a way for students to connect thoughts and concepts through graphs, diagrams, and charts. They can build word and conceptual connections within and between subjects, and improve their overall comprehension of their studies. This can be done on paper or by computer.
The Internet has made virtually every topic accessible to students across the world. Google and other search engines afford students who learn visually the ability to understand the simplest and most complex topics in ways they can best process the information.
Building models helps students recreate events, scientific concepts, and literary references in ways that make sense to them. It also encourages them to use anything from standard art supplies to things found in nature to tell stories as they see fit.

Visual Ownership in the Classroom and Beyond

When students have the opportunity to see things as their minds allow, instead of how someone else wants them to, they feel respected, acknowledged, and ultimately learn well. Giving students ownership of their vision and perception tells them that their opinions, beliefs, and individuality are deserving of praise and recognition. It is when children feel both heard and seen that they flourish in school and beyond.

When Visual Problems Persist

If children are in an environment that disallows them to learn the way they function best, alternative options may need to be explored. If your child struggles because they are unable to benefit from the visual learning methods listed here, they would do well to be seen by an optometrist who can help them learn well through other means that may include environmental adjustments or vision therapy. No matter what, our goal is to help your child see and appreciate their world, both in school and out. Patients with learning-related vision problems visit our clinic from all over California, and we are proud to be a leading provider of functional vision services for patients from Bellflower, Long Beach, Lakewood, and Los Angeles.

Learn More

Strabismus Treatment in : Understanding Symptoms, Treatment, Causes, Diagnosis, and Prevention

Early detection and treatment of strabismus is important to prevent further visual problems and maintain good eye health.

Exotropia: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Exotropia is a type of strabismus where one eye turns outward. If you suspect that you may have exotropia, please see our optometrist for a treatment plan.

Understanding Accommodative Insufficiency: What It Is, Symptoms and Impact on Learning and Work

Accommodative insufficiency causes eyestrain and headaches when focusing on nearby objects. Visit our eye doctor for proper treatment.

1 2 3 … 13 Next »

Testimonials

I haven't actually used the optometrist side, so my review is limited to the vision therapy offered. This office was recommended by my occupational therapist for the treatment of my double vision following a stroke.

Claire A.

Love this location. I had a brain injury accident from day one one. All the team make you feel you still important and hope in the horizon after when the medical system fell you miserably. Dr. Ikeda very professional and very understanding about your issue. Two tombs up.

Jim K.

My husband and I were immediately impressed with Dr Ikeda. I was hit by a car while cycling which caused broken bones and three brain injuries. The brain injuries caused double vision. Dr. Ikeda examined my eyes and got me started on vision therapy with his occupational therapist who specializes in vision therapy. She (Chris) is absolutely great. I am impressed with the array of tools used to help recover my binocular vision. I am doing things I never thought were possible (balance boards etc). Chris pushes me and keeps me motivated. I really enjoy my sessions with her. The office staff is always friendly and they have a wonderful appointment reminder tool that makes it easy to keep my calendar up to date. I am happy the rehab center at Little Co. of Mary recommended them!!

Teresa S.

The Vision Therapy is handled in a separate office through a different door from the shared waiting room. Chris, the vision therapist, has a wide and varied assortment of tools, equipment and resources to best evaluate and treat most vision issues. After just a few visits, my double vision became easier to control, using exercises developed during the therapy process. It was time well-spent.

Joe M.

I have been coming here since I can remember. I love it here. The staff is so amazing and nice. They explain everything they gonna do and never make you feel rushed. Dr. Ikeda has always been my doctor and I would never want another one. He is the doctor for my whole family and is always asking how everyone is doing. I am also so crazy about picking out my frames and have to try so many and each person who helps me take the time and lets me try them all on. I would never want to go anywhere else! I definitely would recommend this office to anyone looking for a great eye doctor.

Kayla W.

This is not for the eye exam but for the frames selection portion. I brought my prescription from Kaiser here with my VSP insurance. The reception staff was very polite and professional. Manny helped me to pick out frames and explain my coverage. Very helpful and patient not like the individual at the other place I rated here on Yelp. I was running late and he still helped me and was not bothered at all. I am so glad I came here ..........very pleased.

Very professional staff and pleasant.