Dual Coding Theory: Strengthening Learning Through Words and Images

Dual Coding Theory, developed by Allan Paivio, posits that learning is more effective when information is processed through two channels simultaneously: verbal and visual. In practice, this means students learn best when they can both see and hear or read content—combining words with images, diagrams, or other visual representations.

This theory is especially powerful in elementary education because young learners often think in highly concrete and visual ways. When students encounter a new concept through both a verbal explanation and a visual representation, their understanding becomes more robust, and memory retention is strengthened. For example, illustrating a story while reading it aloud, or showing a diagram alongside a science explanation, allows the brain to form dual pathways, increasing comprehension and recall.

Dual Coding Theory also supports cross-disciplinary learning. In arts education, students might pair a written reflection with a visual artwork, or a historical event with a timeline diagram. These combinations make abstract or complex ideas more tangible and accessible. Additionally, dual coding encourages students to synthesize information creatively, turning learning into an active process of making meaning, rather than passive absorption.

In today’s image-rich and technology-driven world, Dual Coding Theory is more relevant than ever. It equips students to navigate, interpret, and integrate multimodal information, preparing them for success across subjects and in real-world problem solving. By intentionally pairing visual and verbal content, educators can help students strengthen comprehension, memory, creativity, and critical thinking—all essential skills for learning in the 21st century.

 

A doodle a day…..

Have you ever caught yourself doodling? Have you ever watched a student drawing the whole time you were trying to teach? This is an age-old paradigm and one that definitely needs exploration. Drawing, doodling, mind mapping, brainstorming are techniques that bring what’s inside our minds out for us to view, evaluate, compare and uncover. They are tools in which to discover the way in which we retain information that is fed to us by various stimuli.

Mindmapping and Doodling in Class: It goes without saying, we love to doodle. It’s part of how we pass time, retain information and above all LEARN! How many times were you told in class not to doodle and pay attention….here’s the thing? Mindmapping, doodling (although not exactly the same thing) ignite similar parts of the brain and these parts like to see the relationships of the pieces amount to the whole. They are visual organizing representations. Pictoral organization methods help multi-disciplinary learners of all kinds build memory, brainstorm, problem solve and make real the knowledge that is being presented

Doodling is said to improve memory, concentration, relieve stress, keep one in the present moment and help us tap into our inner selves. So why not start your students’ day off with some drawing and watch what happens to their focus? Getting your students to draw for 10-20 mins every day will change the way you connect with each of them and how they connect to each other. For students that Don’t know what to draw…

Why is Visual Aids so important in the Classroom?

Allan Pavio discovered that our memory has two codes (or channels) that deal with visual and verbal stimuli. Whilst it stores them independently, they are linked (linking words to images). These linked memories make retrieval much easier. The word or image stimulates retrieval of the other.

Dual Coding Theory explained here:

 

This is why a notebook, journal, sketchbook, is such a valuable asset for every student in your classroom. If presented and experienced in an exciting way, this book becomes more than just a repository of random notes, it becomes an extension of the students’ minds and thinking processes. It is a space to record the past, present and future. They can fill them with personal reflections, observations, dreams or ideas, these books become the canvas in which all learning comes alive.

 

Check these links out for great examples.

Consider:

• • How can you intentionally pair visual and verbal elements in your lessons to support diverse learning styles and strengthen student understanding?

  • In what ways can dual coding enhance students’ creativity, memory, and ability to make connections across different subjects?

  • How might you assess whether students are effectively using both visual and verbal channels to construct meaning from your lessons?