Dual Coding

Description:

Dual coding combines verbal and visual information to enhance learning. By pairing words with images, students can better understand and remember concepts, as the brain processes visual and verbal information through different channels. 

Best Use: 

Useful for subjects requiring understanding of complex concepts, like Biology or Geography. 

Best Practice: 

Create mind maps, diagrams, or infographics alongside their notes.  

Examples:

• Create diagrams, charts, or mind maps alongside written notes.

• When learning a biological process, such as photosynthesis, draw a diagram of the process and label each part.

• Use videos or infographics to complement written material.

Step-by-Step Guide to dual coding

1. Identify the Content to Learn 

 What to Do: Start by identifying the material or concept you need to study. This could be a chapter from a textbook, lecture notes, or any content-heavy resource. 

Example:

Science: If you’re studying the structure of the human heart, gather relevant information from your textbook or notes. 

History: The causes and consequences of the American Revolution.

Literature: The key themes and characters in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

Geography: The physical and human characteristics of different climate zones.

2. Break Down the Information into Key Points 

What to Do: Extract the most important points from the text. Focus on concepts, processes, or definitions that are crucial to understanding the topic. 

Example: 

Science: Key points might include the chambers of the heart, the flow of blood, and the function of valves.
History: Break down the American Revolution into key events such as the Boston Tea Party, the Declaration of Independence, and the Treaty of Paris.

Literature: Identify the key themes in Pride and Prejudice, such as marriage, social class, and morality, along with the major characters like Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy, and Jane Bennet.

Geography: List the main characteristics of each climate zone, such as tropical, temperate, and polar, including climate, vegetation, and typical human activities.

3. Create Visual Representations 

What to Do: Transform these key points into visual formats. This could include diagrams, flowcharts, mind maps, or sketches. Use visuals that best represent the information. 

Example: 

Science: Draw a diagram of the heart with labels for each chamber, arrows showing the direction of blood flow, and illustrations of valves. 

History: Create a timeline of the American Revolution showing key events and their outcomes.

Literature: Draw a character relationship map for Pride and Prejudice, showing how different characters are connected and how they influence the plot.

Geography: Design a world map that highlights different climate zones, using icons to represent typical weather patterns and vegetation types in each zone.

4. Align Text with Visuals

What to Do: Pair your visuals with concise text explanations. Place these explanations near the corresponding part of the visual to create a direct link between the two. 

Example: 

Science: Next to the diagram of the heart, write short descriptions explaining how blood flows from the atria to the ventricles.

History: Annotate the timeline with brief descriptions of each event and its significance, such as how the Boston Tea Party escalated tensions between the colonies and Britain.

Literature: Add short summaries of each character’s role and development next to their place on the relationship map.

Geography: Include text labels on the climate map to describe the key features of each zone, such as "High rainfall, dense rainforest" for tropical zones.

5. Use Colour and Symbols for Clarity 

What to Do: Use different colours to differentiate between parts of the visual or to highlight important information. Symbols or icons can also be used to represent concepts or processes. 

Example: 

Science: Colour the oxygenated blood flow in red and deoxygenated blood in blue. Use arrows to clearly show the direction of blood flow. 

History: Use different colours to represent the colonists, British forces, and key allies on your timeline. Use symbols like flags or crossed swords to signify battles or treaties.

Literature: Colour-code the character map based on families or social classes, and use icons (like hearts for romantic interests) to highlight key relationships.

Geography: Use a different colour for each climate zone on your map, and add symbols like sun, snowflake, or rain cloud to represent the typical weather.

6. Regularly Review and Revise 

What to Do: Go over your dual-coded notes regularly. The combination of text and visuals will help reinforce the information in your memory. If you discover new information, update your visuals and text accordingly. 

Example:

Science: Before an exam, review the heart diagram and related text to reinforce your understanding of how the heart functions. 

History: Periodically revisit the timeline, adding details as you learn more about the American Revolution, such as the impact of specific battles or the role of foreign aid.

Literature: Update the character map as you read further into Pride and Prejudice, noting how relationships evolve and how themes develop.

Geography: Review and update your climate zone map as you learn about new examples or case studies that illustrate the characteristics of each zone.

7. Practice Retrieval 

What to Do: After studying your dual-coded material, practice retrieving the information by recreating the visuals and explaining the concepts without looking at your notes. 

Example: 

Science: Try drawing the heart from memory and explaining the flow of blood as a way to test your understanding. 

History: Test your ability to recall the sequence of events in the American Revolution by redrawing the timeline from memory and explaining the significance of each event.

Literature: Recap the plot and themes of Pride and Prejudice by redrawing the character map and summarising the key relationships without looking at your notes.

Geography: Draw a blank world map and try to fill in the different climate zones and their key characteristics from memory.

8. Apply Dual Coding Across Subjects

What to Do: Use dual coding for different types of information and across various subjects. It’s particularly useful for complex processes, vocabulary, and concepts that can be visualized. 

Example: Use dual coding to study biological processes, historical timelines, chemical reactions, or even language vocabulary. 

Tips for Success:

Use It as a Study Tool:  Regularly refer back to your dual-coded notes during revision sessions to reinforce your understanding. 

Keep It Simple: Focus on clarity and simplicity. Overloading your visuals with too much detail can make them confusing. 

Resources:

Learn How To Study Using... Dual Coding

https://www.learningscientists.org/blog/2016/9/1-1

for more detailed examples and explanations. 

Lucidchart

https://www.lucidchart.com/

for creating diagrams and flowcharts online.