Visual-based learning is proven to be one of the most effective teaching strategies in the classroom. It helps students to quickly and efficiently conceptualize complex subject matter. While it is an innovative method, teachers must correctly apply the strategies to use it in order  to bring out the best outcomes in students.  

The benefits of using visual-based learning in the classroom are many. Let's look at some of is highest-yielding results:

1) Simplifies complex subject topics

With visual media, teachers have the opportunity to enable students to easily understand complex subject matter without students having to conceptualise or visualise  the concepts or theories  by themselves. The biggest advantage of visual media of course is that it attracts and holds students' attention effectively, which is a big bonus for teachers when it comes to managing student engagement.

2) Holds attention spans of students

Students of today are typically more engaged with screens. They like to view content on screen; therefore teachers can use visual media to their advantage within reason.  

3) Activates memory: If they see it, they will remember it

Emotions are stimulated when we view visuals. Emotions, in turn, activate memory. Visual learning therefore helps to activate memory that enables students to remember what they have learned for a longer time. Visuals are therefore an excellent way for teachers to teach complex topics that students find difficult to recall. 

4) Brings in flexibility for teachers

Teachers have the privilege of being flexible while creating visuals for their students. Teachers can analyse the students' learning capacity and bring in customized visual resources which support the unique learning capacities of their students. 

5) Creates engaged and happy learners 

Engaged learners = happy learners. Happy learners = effective learners. Only when students are interested in the learning process will they enjoy it and only when they enjoy learning will they understand what is being taught more efficiently. This also serves to simplify the work of teachers. 

These benefits can only result if teachers know how to use and apply visual-based learning methods fittingly. For this, teachers need to be trained well to know how to use their resources to better connect with their students. Teachers will learn the various ways to implement these visual-teaching strategies and much more if they are enrolled in a holistic teacher training program.

Here are some of the best practices for implementing visual-based learning in the classroom:

1. Be creative

Thinking outside the box can break the traditional approach of teaching and help create innovative and effective ideas that can be used in the classroom. Being creative in the classroom with visual aids can be done by trying out different types of visual media like pictures, videos or even physical resources depending on the subject.

2. Keeping things simple 

While it is important to be creative with the visuals presented in the classroom, one thing to remember is that the visuals should make the topics easier to understand. It will be of no use if the visuals are complicated and students are not able to understand them. Complexity in visuals is not always necessary or needed.

3. Mix physical materials and digital media

Visuals can be of both types: 1) physical materials and resources and 2) digital media. Physical materials can be used as hands-on activities by students to acquire practical knowledge, while digital media can be used to see the theory or concept in graphical or visual form. Teachers can use a mix of both according to the subject they are teaching.
For example: 1) Use physical shapes to make complex geometrical shapes understandable. 2) Visual media can be used to make mathematical theories a lot easier to understand.

4. Encourage active participation from students

Only displaying visuals sometimes might not be enough to render the technique effective. Encouraging student participation, asking open-ended questions, and inviting students to respond, discuss, and deliberate will go a long way to make visual learning very effective.

Also read: Top 7 Innovative Teaching Methods Any School Can Incorporate

Visual-based learning can be a game changer for teachers and students in any classroom. Try using the strategies mentioned above to get the desired results out of your students. Happy teaching!