It was always the Pictures...

The article I read titled, "It was always the Pictures..." explains the different ways that visual learning can be incorporated in the classroom. After reading the article I think it would be appropriate for the title to be, "It IS always the Pictures...". This title would fit in with my education as pictures are still very important in my learning. The article described several different ways pictures are used with learning. One way was graphic organizers. I can remember using graphic organizers in elementary school when I was little, but can also recall graphic organizers being used in my education here at Syracuse University within the past week! I had to create a concept map within my math class recently and just today in science my class worked together with the teacher to create a concept map about everything we have learned this semester. Graphic organizers are very useful in organizing a lot of different ideas in an easy to view and understanding way. 

Another way that pictures are involved with education is through picture books. I agree that pictures in books may help a student understand the text more but do not think that there needs to be an excess of pictures in stories. I enjoy being able to use my imagination with the words I read to create an image of my own. 

Pictures were also described to help educate through mind mapping. I had never heard of this before reading this article. After reading what it is exactly I realized that I already do this myself. Mind mapping can be used to illustrate class ideas and discussions. I use this sometimes when I take notes in classes. I will draw little sketches within my notebooks to help me understand or be able to remember an idea easier. 

Story kits have been used in my classes past and have been a lot of fun. Being able to hold and feel objects has helped me with memory. I have learned over the years that I am a very hands on learner and tend to remember things more if I can see and feel the subjects being taught. 

These are only a couple of examples that pictures and visual tools can be used within the class. I enjoy being reminded of these ways and notice the importance pictures have on my life. I use pictures in my classes for myself and benefit from it. Pictures help a wide range of learners learn and understand things more clearly. This article explained how and why pictures do this perfectly and I will remember the importance of pictures in my future classroom as well as my own education for the time being.