Visual Learning Tools: Using Poster Prints in the Classroom

[Timothy Gangwer]

Educational research estimates that visual learners make up 65% of the population, while auditory learners and kinesthetic learners make up 30% and 5% respectively. Teachers should always keep this in mind when they are teaching in the classroom. Custom poster prints can be a great way for educators to integrate visual learning elements into the classroom. Here are 5 great ideas on how to utilize poster prints in the class room.

Science Example:

Conduct a visual experiment for your students such as mixing chemical reactants or demonstrating the laws of physics with physical objects. Document this demonstration with photography and use the pictures to create an educational poster. Visual learners will recall the experiment and connect their visual images with the information presented. By placing this poster print in your classroom, students will relive this learning experience many times over.

English and Literature Example:

Assign a short story reading assignment and ask your students to illustrate the story in drawings. Then create a poster with the title of the book and the drawings submitted by your students. Your students will be encouraged to imagine the story visually and then be reminded of the story by your poster print.

Mathematics Example:

Basic arithmetic is integral to a student’s future success. Create posters with visual aids such as apples or pencils instead of numbers demonstrating addition, subtraction and multiplication.

Foreign Language Example:

As visual learners, it doesn’t make sense for students to learn words in a foreign language by pairing them with their English equivalents. Use photos of common objects or scenarios and place the foreign text near the images. Refrain from placing English on these posters so that students associate the vocabulary words with actual objects instead of English words and letters.

History Example:

Create a collage of iconic images for a period in history. Allow visual students to immerse themselves in the mindset and culture of the time so that they are better able to understand the actions of key historic figures. Many students fail to understand the reasons for wars and revolutions, because they are unable to relate the people of that time period. Strong images and a cohesive theme will help the student imagine the age in which the history lesson takes place.

- Sam Nam,
Digital Room, Inc.