Activities That Work Best for Visual Learners

[Timothy Gangwer]

By Leonor Crossley, eHow Contributor, May 20, 2011

A highlighter is a simple tool used by visual learners.

People learn most effectively in different ways. While left-brained thinkers are analytical and respond well to audio instruction, right-brained thinkers are more creative and respond best to visual elements. At least one-third of students are what is known as visual-spatial learners, reports visualspatial.org. These students prefer teaching methods that create a visual connection between the eyes and brain. This helps them retain at least 75 percent of the information, according to Piedmont Education Services.

1. Visual Aids

   • Implement the use of visual aids, such as charts, graphs, maps, timelines or diagrams, to break things down more simplistically and support verbal instruction. When possible, ask visual learners to create these visual aids themselves to help their memorization of facts and terms. Visual learners are often big note takers. Many recall information better just from having the visual association of seeing their own hands write down words or solve math equations. Create a timeline when trying to remember historical events to separate each piece of information into sequential order. Include small photos at various points to add even more visual appeal. Have students label blank diagrams in science class and blank maps in social studies to provide that visual connection.

   Visual Presentations

   • Incorporate a PowerPoint presentation to showcase main ideas, visual aids and photos during a lesson. Assign students to present an oral report or speech to the class, along with a PowerPoint presentation. Finding and creating the visuals for accompaniment is helpful to both the visual learning speech giver and audience members.

     Watch a film or documentary that accurately reinforces the information being taught. Take English students to see a professional play performance based upon a book read in class. This is especially helpful in getting a better grasp of Shakespeare's use of unfamiliar language. Visual demonstrations further explain concepts or ideas through hands-on activities such as science labs and the creation of projects and artwork.

   Interactive Involvement

   • Flashcards are extremely beneficial for visual-spatial learners. Whether it's learning multiplication, science terms or historical figures or landmarks, turn blank index cards into flashcards with the information needed to be studied on the front and the answers on the back. Visual learners react strongly to the repetition and visual perception.

     Visual learners also respond well to the movement and interaction provided by games. The Internet is a valuable visual tool. Visit educational websites so visual learners can play interactive games and read information at their own pace. In addition to online games, involve students in playing games within the classroom to review information being studied.

   Color Usage

   • A well-organized, clean presentation is important to the visual learner. The use of color is an effective way to visually add order to given information. Use a highlighter to color in those sentences or sections that are of critical importance to remember. This makes them stick out in the visual learner's mind. By the same token, add color to graphs and charts to highlight and distinguish information.