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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