Illuminating Perspectives through Critical Visual Literacy: 56th Annual IVLA Con

This research study investigates the impact of using visual literacy skills development in K-12 classrooms. The researcher presents insights from nine urban and suburban educators, across disciplines, who use visual teaching strategies in their daily content delivery. Participants engaged in one-on-one interviews in which they shared their visual teaching strategies, as well as perceptions of how such methods affect student learning. The emergent themes include effective vocabulary building, improved memory and information retention, the promotion of independence and confidence among learners, and concreteness of abstract concepts. Additionally, improved communication with English Language Learners, independent thinking, overall improvement in student behavior, and making positive cultural connections were also noted. Many administrators and educators do not support the promotion of visual teaching in professional development or content delivery. This study, however, suggests there is a need for a wider embrace of visual teaching to support visual literacy skills in the K-12 sector.