Visual learning strategies often include using pictures, such as images, graphs, and charts, to present ideas and data. Visual learning helps young learners understand key concepts by using visual materials that suit their learning styles. These tools simplify complex ideas, making it easier to grasp main points quickly and remember them better.
It is important to cater to different learning styles because everyone learns differently. When a learner has autism, this can also impact how different concepts are learned.
Learning styles would need to be altered or modified to better accommodate the unique needs of students with autism. Hands-on activities can help children understand the bigger picture and key points they need to learn.
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The Benefits of Visual Supports for Autism
Effective strategies for visual learners
Visual learners can benefit from a variety of strategies. Your learner might prefer one strategy over another or a combination of multiple strategies.
To be effective, you may need to try multiple strategies to create a learning environment that is conducive and effective for your child or student’s needs.
Color coding
Color coding is a popular strategy that visual learners understand. Simple concepts such as using green for “yes” and red for “no” can aid in communication.
When teaching functional and pragmatic language skills, you may use green for “go” and red for “stop,” similar to traffic lights. More advanced learners may use color coding to help organize data and recall concepts more quickly.
Concept maps
Concept maps or mind maps are another effective way for visual learners to learn new concepts. This can also help them stay on track or on topic when having to prepare work for a specific subject.
When learners create mind maps, the visual elements of the concept they are learning are organized like graphic organizers. Mind maps can help create visual summaries of the concepts they are trying to learn or share with others.
Flashcards and note-taking
Flashcards and note-taking help create visual images that can be used as study tips for recall. This can help learners grasp the concept faster and remember it better by seeing it as they write it and then reread it.
Flashcards help create repetition for visual information that needs to be remembered for future use.
Charts and graphs
Charts and graphs are another visual aid that visual learners can use to process information quickly. Information that is color-coded into graphs and charts makes it easy to grasp a lot of data quickly.
Charts and graphs are effective learning strategies that provide visual aids and cues for data and keep it organized. Trends can be followed with graphs so learners can use qualitative data to ensure they are:
- on track with a task (upward trend to completion),
- possibly working towards a goal (percentage of work done while working to 100%).
Learners with autism rely on visual aids to help support their learning style.
Study tips for visual learners
Visual learners can benefit from learning strategies that are specific to their needs. Visual aids such as color-coded graphs or charts can enhance visual learning. They help learners process information quickly and aid in memory recall.
A visual learner may benefit from using mind maps or taking notes so that they are writing their thoughts and ideas down.
Mind maps help create graphic organizers of thoughts or ideas so they can use them further along in the learning process. These types of visual cues aid visual learners by tailoring to how they process information.
To create an effective mind map, write your main idea down. Add branches to your main idea and use the branches to outline your topic. You can add images, words, or colors to tailor it specifically to your needs.
Flash cards can be used as visual aids in recalling information or studying for an exam. It also helps to increase familiarity with what to expect in the concepts they are learning because of the repetition.
Other types of learners can also use visual learning strategies, but visual learners benefit from them the most. Flash cards are meant to be used quickly in recall, so be careful not to add too many pictures or words to each one.
If you have a complex topic, you can break it down into multiple smaller sections on the flash cards. These types of visual aids help to increase focus and memory recall.
Teaching strategies for visual learners
The right tools can help aid visual learning for students, teachers, and families. Technology can be utilized to help support this learning style.
Whiteboards, iPads, Smartboards, videos, PowerPoint presentations, or digital photos can all be used to support visual learners in their educational journey.
Parents and families may need to exercise patience as they learn the technology supports, but it is effective for supporting the visual learning style.
Technology also helps families stay organized and clutter-free by having all their materials downloaded into apps and programs. You’ll always have all of your materials with you when using technology to help support visual learning.
Color coding can also help as a teaching strategy for visual learners. You can customize anything to colors. It helps students stay focused when their materials are sorted in an organized method.
You can color code math equations or words to aid in learning to read. Color coding is one of the easier visual materials to use because colors are widely available and can be understood by all grade levels and ages.
Encouraging creativity can also help excite visual learners and make learning fun. This is especially true for children on the spectrum who have specific interests or tend to focus on specific topics.
When visual learners have fun with their academics, they often retain the information longer, making it easier for them to recall it again when needed.
Tips for parents of visual learners
Parents play a large role in helping their children succeed. A parent understands how their child’s mind processes different ideas and may learn differently. Visual study materials can help kids understand more complex topics and make study sessions more impactful.
Use technology to help support education. Most children enjoy having tangible and visual aids to help them understand verbal directions and prefer hands-on activities. Active participation can help them reach their learning goals faster.
There are a multitude of educational videos and educational apps that parents can utilize to emphasize important points. Visual schedules also help students stay on task so they can actively work towards completing their goals and feel supported throughout their day.
Here are some tips for parents of visual learners:
- Use color-coded lists, graphs, or charts. Students prefer visually appealing digital tools that support at-home and in-school learning. Lists, graphs, and charts can help visual learners focus and organize information in a manner that is most beneficial to their learning style.
- Use mind maps or concept maps. This can help students stay on topic and expand on ideas from auditory instruction. These tools allow them to draw pictures or add key phrases that support the main topic and key points.
- Give visual cues with verbal instructions. Visual learners need a visual format to organize information. Be creative and have fun making visuals specific to the child’s interests so they will be more open to wanting to use them.
Tailoring strategies to the unique needs of learners
Visual learning strategies can benefit students who process information better using images, charts, graphs, and pictures. A visual learner benefits from having the visual prompt to create and complete tasks. It helps them to stay focused through the completion of their work. These strategies can be used both in the home and in school.
Parents and teachers can make the visual cues fun and unique to fit the needs and personalities of all visual learners. There will not be a one-size-fits-all approach to using mind maps, graphs, charts, images, or pictures, but it can be tailored to fit the specific needs that your child has.
Many families find that using a variety of different strategies is best because it gives them the flexibility and freedom to use visual aids that are accessible and appropriate for the specific task and environment they are working with.
FAQs
Q: What are the learning methods for visual learners?
A: Learning methods for visual learners include pictures, charts, graphs, color-coded schedules, mind maps, concept maps, and applications on electronic devices.
Q: What are the tools of visual learning?
A: Flash cards, videos, diagrams, PowerPoint presentations or slides, graphs, and whiteboards can all be used to help visual learners grasp new concepts.
Q: How do visual learners memorize?
A: Flashcards are an effective tool for helping visual learners retain and recall information quickly.
Q: What do visual learners struggle with?
A: Visual learners may become too dependent on their tools to complete tasks. Since they learn best with visual aids, removing these materials can make it harder for them to succeed academically or remember daily tasks, like those prompted by a color-coded schedule.
References:
Wang, J., Mendori, T., & Hoel, T. (2018). Strategies for Multimedia Learning Object Recommendation in a Language Learning Support System: Verbal Learners Vs. Visual Learners. International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction, 35(4–5), 345–355. https://doi.org/10.1080/10447318.2018.1543085
Tech-Based Approaches to Supporting and Engaging Diverse Learners: Visual Strategies for Success, Bryans-Bongey, Sarah E., Contemporary Issues in Education Research, v11 n2 p43-54 2018 https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1175164
The Role of Visual Learning in Improving Students’ High-Order Thinking Skills, Raiyn, Jamal, Journal of Education and Practice, v7 n24 p115-121 2016 https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1112894
