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• Interviews 4-11: Transcript and Analysis

Interview 1: Transcript - Research

Research > Interviews > Interview 1 Transcript

This is the transcript for our interview with Mr. Alvaro Fernandez.

1. What is your definition of visual learning? How are the teaching methods different from conventional learning?

Visual learning = learning that relies on non-verbal visual sensory inputs. Most conventional methods in classrooms rely on verbal learning (either reading or through auditory pathways). Our minds go beyond language - visual learning leverages that.

2. What is your personal opinion on visual learning?

It is a great instrument for abstract, conceptual knowledge.

3. Scientifically speaking, is visual learning more effective than conventional learning? Why?

It depends: more effective for what? We shouldn't think that different types of learning somehow exclude each other, but learn how/ when to use them in a complementary fashion. Research in this area is limited but suggests that visual learning, through concept maps for example, may be more effective for the understanding of underlying concepts and their relationships in a more abstract, systematic, manner

4. In what way will students benefit if visual learning were to be introduced as the main medium of teaching?

I don't see the need for it to be the "main" medium. I do believe it is under-represented in schools now, so it deserves a larger presence to help students understand and internalize complex systems better. It probably would help much in math and science disciplines.

5. Scientifically speaking, how would other types of learning work? (e.g. Auditory and kinesthetic)?

It depends- work for what? Kinesthetic learning is critical for procedural knowledge (how to ride a bike, how to dance? Auditory is very important for disciplines that rely heavily on language.

6. How do you think visual learning can be carried out in the classroom?

My proposal: every year. In the first and last session of each subject, students should be asked to draw and share a concept map of their current understanding of the subject. That would help students learn the key concepts in more depth, and the teacher tailor the instruction to student's needs.

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