Effective Use of Visual Representation in Research and Teaching within Higher Education

Abstract

There are now increasing opportunities for educators to use creative forms of visual representation in their professional practice. Despite the potential for increasing researcher and teacher understanding and student engagement and learning through the proliferation of visual material, the rationale and deliberate planning of using images remains relatively unexplored. The potential benefits to learners through the incorporation of visual representation on its own or with text are well-documented although the ways in which it can be used effectively is less well-established. This paper provides an introduction to some of the research into using visual representation within researching and teaching and learning within higher education. It draws on examples from the authors’ own practice to provide insights into a selection of ways in which visual representation might be used in various ways such as generative/analytical techniques and communicative tools. The authors provide two examples of visualised frameworks and models that have been developed and used in the context of academic development; the use of simple relationship diagrams in learning and teaching and dissemination of practice; the use of diagrams to explain complex phenomenon and an example of using images juxtaposed with diagrams and text to present a case for professional teaching recognition.

Molecular Visualization Device for Education Purposes: A Novel Approach for Pedagogical Enhancement in Chemistry Education

“…When atoms bond, there's a specific distance between them that results in the lowest potential energy between the twothe bond length. This results in the atoms being separated [13]. If multiple atoms are bonded to the same central atom, then the outer atoms will begin to repel each other due to their electrons being repulsive to one another.…”

Promoting Critical Intercultural Awareness Through The SFL Genre-Based Approach: A Collaborative Autoethnography of English Pre-Service Teachers

“…In line with what Gracia and Lindner (2021) said that learning with visual media can help in Foreign Learning Education (FLE), which is also quoted from the introduction to The Mind's Eye: Using Images Creatively in Language Learning (Maley et al, 1980) "This is because pictures do not express anything in words, so much can be said in words about them." Collin (2012: 2, as cited in Buckley & Nerantzi, 2020) added that with visualization, you can communicate complex concepts effectively so that information is easier to understand and develop into something interesting.…”

The impact of integrating infographics into English language instruction on mother tongue use and reading/writing performance: A systematic literature survey

“…Think Aloud Protocols (TAPs) (Arifin, 2020), free writing (Alharthi, 2021), and collaborative writing (Calzada & Mayo, 2021) as a strategy to improve learning, educators have to think about including visual representation. According to Buckley and Nerantzi (2020), Visuals may be used in educational contexts when they are intended to educate students on how to organize, generate, and/or finish activities. Additionally, the procedure will aid learners in organizing and communicating their ideas.…”