Dual coding#
See also: effective-learning-strategies
Multiple representations of the same information enhances learning and memory. Some information automatically evokes other representations (e.g. dog evokes a visual etc) which also has the same benefit. Other work suggest adding motor movements also provides benefit.
Dual coding suggests the verbal information should be accompanied by a visual representation (see checks-for-pedagogy). With consideration given that additional representations can increase cognitive load.
Advice to students#
Informed by Mayer & Anderson (1992)
How to do it
- Find visuals in class materials. Compare visuals to words.
- Look at visuals, explain in own words what they mean.
- Take information that you are trying to learn, and draw visuals to go along with it.
- Come up with different ways to represent the information visually.
- Be able to draw from memory
References#
Mayer, R., & Anderson, R. (1992). The Instructive Animation: Helping Students Build Connections Between Words and Pictures in Multimedia Learning. Journal of Educational Psychology, 84(4), 444--452.
Weinstein, Y., Madan, C. R., & Sumeracki, M. A. (2018). Teaching the science of learning. Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications, 3(1), 2. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41235-017-0087-y