Topic > Using visual thinking for effective teaching and learning

Charts and graphs offer great visual impact. It can be used in classrooms to present data, illustrate important patterns or relationships, and observe changes as the data is altered. Reasons to use charts and graphs:  Provide a visual representation of data;  Effectively clarify information;  Represents many different types of data; Make important ideas easily recognizable; Allow students to perceive information quickly. There are many types of charts. Some of them are bar charts, pie charts, line charts, histograms, etc. A bar chart is a visualization used to compare the quantities or frequency of occurrence of different data characteristics. [37] A bar graph makes information clear and immediately visible to students. (see Example) A pie chart is also called a circular chart. It is a circular graph divided into sectors, illustrating the numerical proportion. Pie charts show the relationship between the parts of a whole and always show how the whole is divided. A line chart is a type of chart created by connecting a series of data points together with a line. A histogram is similar to a bar chart in a structure that organizes a group of data points into user-specified ranges. Most of the charts and graphs shown above are very traditional. Data visualization is a hot field and there are many new forms of charts. We can also call it graphic organizer. The graphic organizer is a visual display that demonstrates relationships between facts, concepts, or ideas. Graphic organizers guide students' thinking as they compile and develop a visual map or diagram. Graphic organizers are some of the most effective visual learning strategies for students and are applied throughout the curriculum to enhance learning and understanding…middle of the paper…can be used by both the teacher and students . It's easy to create mind maps. But even though mind maps in education have been so successful, they are still only half applied in mainstream education around the world. Works Cited37. Bar Charts Review, http://cstl.syr.edu/fipse/tabbar/revbar/revbar.htm viewed: 05/17/1438. Teaching and Learning with Graphic Organizers, http://www.inspiration.com/visual-learning/graphic-organizers viewed: 05/18/1439. Gardner, B., Using Infographics in Language Classroom, http://evasimkesyan.com/2013/06/28/using-infographics-in-lingual-classroom/ viewed: 05/18/1440. 10 Reasons Why Infographics Are Important, http://naldzgraphics.net/tips/reasons-why-infographics-are-important/ viewed: 05/19/1441. Buzan, T., The Mind Map Book, Plume, 199642. Casco, M., The use of mind maps in teaching foreign languages, article, 2009