Week 5:

Activity 1: Visual Literacy

Introduction

Most of the language teachers seem to agree that the use of visuals can
enhance language teaching. As they help teachers to bring the real world into
the classroom, they make learning more meaningful and more exciting
(Brinton, 2000). According to Bamford (2003), it must be taken in to account
that visual literacy is the key to obtain information, construct knowledge and
build successful educational outcomes. Aristotle stated that, without image,
thinking is impossible. Therefore, teacher should use visual materials in class
to enhance the teaching and learning environment.

Definition

Visual literacy has been defined as the ability to understand, interpret and
evaluate visual messages (Bristor & Drake, 1994). According to Wikipedia
(2011), Visual literacy is based on the idea that pictures can be read and
that meaning can be communicated through a process of reading. Thus,
visually literate people can read the intended meaning in a visual text,
interpret the purpose and intended meaning, and evaluate the form, structure
and features of the text.

The role of visual literacy in education

First of all, students can develop their thinking skills by practising visual
literacy. For example, teachers can ask a lot of questions based on a visual
material. Questions to be asked when looking at visuals can be "What is going
on in this photograph?" and "What comes to mind when you first look at this
photograph?". This allows students to begin the analysing process. When
looking at visuals, students should be able to see, understand, think, create
and communicate. Hence, this has shown that how important visual materials
are in teaching and learning process. Furthermore, students need visual
images to help them read and understand texts. When they have encountered
unfamiliar vocabularies, visual information can support reading and help make
meaning of text. It is a more easier and interesting way for children to learn
new vocabularies.

On the other hand, visual materials help the teachers in providing proper
environment for capturing and sustaining the attention and interest of the
students in the classroom works. As we know, the attention span of a young
kid is very short. Therefore, teacher can utilise visual materials and hold a
discussion on the diagram or picture. Students take an active role in the
discussion. It will make them more interested in learning. This is how visual
materials ensure the involvement in teaching and learning.