VISUAL SYMBOLS (cartoons, posters, and sketches & diagrams)

VISUAL SYMBOLS

Visual symbols are representations of direct reality, which comes in the form of signs and symbols. The following is a detailed discussion on the different kinds of visual symbols, which are drawings, sketches, cartoons, comics or strip drawing, diagrams, charts and graphs, maps, and posters.

Rules of Thumbs in Using Visuals

1. Visuals must be directly relevant to the audio content.

2. Redundancy between visuals and audio must be avoided. If words are displayed, viewers must be given time to read it.

3. Visual displays should be big enough to be seen by the farthest pupil.

4. Visual displays must be attractive.

5. Visual displays must be aesthetically presented to maintain good taste.

Kinds of Visual Symbols

1. Cartoons

Cartoons tell stories metaphorically through pictures, which need no captions. Symbolism conveys messages, less words more symbolism the better. The cartoon presents a certain issue or concern which could be either for or against it.

It is a pictorial representation or caricature of a person, idea, situation or issue that is designed to influence public opinion. Therefore cartoons must be presented in a challenging manner. For better understanding they should be drawn around a single idea.

Suggestion for the use of cartoons

a. Appropriateness to experience level. The age and the experience or maturity of the target learners must be taken into consideration.

b. Simplicity – contains only the essential features. The cartoon must not contain so many details.

c. Brevity of captions if ever but they may not be given any. Short and direct captions are used when necessary only.

d. Use of clear symbols. Use symbols that are conventional, like; the dove to mean death; the turtle to mean slow or sluggishness and others.

e. Adequateness of size. The cartoon should be big enough to be seen and appreciated.

Cartoons could be used for motivation, for follow-up activity and for evaluation purposes.

2. Posters

A poster is combination of bold designs and color primarily intended to catch attention on a significant fact, idea or message. Simply stated, a poster is a picture with appropriate caption.

Characteristics of a good poster

1. It must be bold and simple but dramatizes features.

2. It must be appropriate to the grade level and to the subject and purpose and purposes.

3. It must have only limited text, few words are generally used and key words are made to standout by means of type size or position.

4. It must be attractive, pleasing to the eyes.

5. Design and color must be given consideration.

Composition, color and technique are principal elements in effective poster preparation. It requires a center of interest. Color provides meaning and expression as well as beauty.

6. It must have elements of dynamism and shock.

Posters are best used for motivation and for creative experience as depicting ideas, concepts and generalizations to summarize a celebration or a unit.

3. Drawings and Sketches

These are crude and simple lines, which are effective in showing what needs to be shown with sufficient clarity, to make the meaning vivid to learners or students.

They are drawings with no illusion of depth but a smart teacher can use them in a very effective way in explaining and showing ideas and concepts.

#mariatanya