USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS A POWERFUL TOOL IN TEACHING/LEARNING ENVIRONMENT: AN EXPERIENCE
Abstract:
A Photograph is worth a thousand words through which a complex idea can be conveyed with just a single still image. Pictures make it possible to absorb large amounts of data quickly. Using photographs for explaining complex phenomena is one of the teaching aids of modern education system all over the world. As the world is changing day by day so are the methods of instructions as the modern curriculum requires conceptual elaborations. Visual aids have the tendency to materialize the thoughts of students in the form of graphics to give thoughts a concrete frame of reference. Use of photographs is important for students because they are more likely to believe findings when the findings are paired with colored images describing complex situations during learning as opposed to other representational data such as complex book text.
Scientists and journalists have recently suggested that the images have a persuasive influence on the public perception. This idea was tested directly in a series of experiments reported by David McCabe, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at Colorado State. Visual images are increasingly being used in learning and teaching resources, especially with access to quality digital images in web-based materials. The appropriateness of the images being utilized is crucial to enforce the effectiveness of this practice. Images can be used to promote positive learning experiences for students when used in ways that are consistent with the cognitive theory of visual learning. Therefore, pictures have an added advantage over text, as dual coding takes place in the memory, hence it is easier for the learner to make cross connections between the two different codes and later retrieve information.
This paper investigates as to how teaching learning process is enhanced by use of photographs in curriculum with three objectives, enhancement in perception level of students, easy interpretation of context by the faculty and smooth understanding by the learners. The instruments of Teacher Efficiency Assessment Proforma (TEAP), Student Comprehension Assessment Proforma (SCAP) and Time / Cost Effect Assessment Proforma (TCEAP) were used on various samples. The data was collected from a sample of 100 respondents, all having sufficient experience of undergraduate learning. The analysis and statistical results with respect to knowledge gained, practices, attitudes, and opinions toward photographic usage in teaching learning environment showed statistically significant difference in all measurements towards different hypothesis.
Keywords:
Photography a powerful medium of expression, easy communications, Enhancement in perception level of understanding, interpretation and execution.
FAQs
... Photography can help to illustrate concepts and introduce the intangible by teachers, instructors, and lecturers. It serves as a bridge between the tangible and the abstract, allowing learners to visualize unfamiliar concepts in relatable and engaging ways (Byrnes & Wasik 2012) .
What is the importance of photographs in teaching and learning? ›
Pictures can be used to transform abstract ideas into realistic ideas. Pictures can make learners more engaged in the lesson and also facilitates further learning. Pictures tend to engage both sides of the brain of learners, making it easier for them to remember and recall the visual stimuli provided.
How can pictures be used as a teaching strategy? ›
With this method, random combinations of pictures are used to arouse students' imagination and to tap into their knowledge of the world and thus, transfer it to desired language behavior. This method can be utilized independently or combined with other language teaching methods.
How can photography help students? ›
Here are four benefits of photography in the classroom that your students can realize:
- Creativity and self-expression.
- Skills development.
- Mindfulness and mental health.
- Physical activity and exercise.
Images and media are powerful communication devices. They are useful for conveying concepts and information, and they can help improve comprehension by reinforcing information provided in text.
What are the advantages of using pictures in teaching vocabulary? ›
Using image-based methods in teaching has several advantages. Firstly, images can help to enhance students' vocabulary knowledge and learning efficiency, especially for young learners . Secondly, the use of visual materials, including images, can revitalize the way teachers teach and enrich the teaching of lessons .
Why do we use pictures in the classroom? ›
Like virtually any other teaching resource, pictures can be used to enhance student learning and to develop students self-esteem, or their utilization can be of little or no value and, if used carelessly, can, in fact, undermine students' self-confidence.
How does the use of pictures help students enhance their memory? ›
Enhance Memory Retention
Research shows that visual cues have a strong impact on memory recall. Incorporating visual elements like images, mind maps, and mnemonic devices, helps learners create mental associations that aid in retrieving information. Visuals can even facilitate repetition.
What is the picture and picture method of teaching? ›
According to Hamid (2011: 217-218), Picture and Picture method is a method where the teacher uses a tool or picture media to explain a material and embed the message in the material. Picture and Picture can be used by the teacher to improve the students' ability in writing.
What is the picture prompt method of teaching? ›
Picture Prompt – Show students an image with no explanation, and ask them to identify/explain it, and justify their answers. Or ask students to write about it using terms from lecture, or to name the processes and concepts shown. Also works well as group activity.
Overall, teaching photography to kids is a great way to help children develop their creativity and learn about the world around them. By starting with the basics and encouraging creativity and practice, you can share your passions and help kids l on their journey to becoming skilled photographers.
Do images help students learn? ›
Images make learning more memorable and engaging and they are great stimuli for language production, thinking and discussions in the classroom. So, let me give you a few ideas on how you can use them in class.
How can a photograph be useful? ›
Photographs are used to tell stories in many different ways. Sciences use photography to document new plants or to be able to study animals in more depth. Photos are used in text books to teach students about different places around the world. Family portraits hang on walls of almost every home.
Why are photographs so powerful? ›
Images impact emotions faster and more powerfully than words
As we said before, when we "see" an image, it's not just the visual cortex that's involved. The brain region for emotional processing is also activated.
Do people learn better with pictures? ›
Studies conducted on the influence of visual learning on recall of a memory test support the theory that visual learning can lead to a better recollection of memories, unlike other learning styles. Although visual learning is not the only style of retaining information, it is one that is the most effectively used.
Do we learn better with pictures or words? ›
According to Zabisco, the average person responds far better to visual information compared to just plain ol' text. Whether you're buying a product or revising for an exam, visual stimulation over text translation allows the brain to consume the material with more consummate ease.
Why were photographs so important? ›
An effective photograph can disseminate information about humanity and nature, record the visible world, and extend human knowledge and understanding. For all these reasons, photography has aptly been called the most important invention since the printing press.
Why is photograph important? ›
In our current climate, photography is more important than ever. It allows us to capture and preserve memories, connect with others, and document history. Whether you're a professional photographer or an amateur, taking photos can be a great way to capture and share your experiences with the world.
