The method of "Visualization" during the study of History

Most children have a vivid imagination, and it is easy for them to imagine fictional scenes and characters. However, once they go to school, new teaching methods often leave children's fantasies outside the realm of learning. Moreover, these little minds are overloaded with complex tasks of basic reading, writing and mathematics, leaving almost no time for deeper reflection and imagination.

Visualization is the use of images or videos to convey knowledge. This method is not new. It has been used in maps, scientific charts and graphs for thousands of years. Bright examples of this can be - "Geography of Ptolemy" (2nd century AD), or, for example, the Map of China in 1137 AD.

However, when I talk about "Visualization" in this article, I mean something else. Thus, in school textbooks, in principle, there is an element of visualization - with the help of illustrations and various tables. But, to be honest, more emphasis has always been placed on "printed text". In addition, the quantity and quality of illustrations leaves much to be desired.

Therefore, speaking of visualization, I speak of the "predominant role" of learning through what the child (or adult) sees with the eyes. It is known that about 90% of information we perceive is due to the visual organs. Why not use this method, for example, in the study of history.

Why does visualization work and how can it improve performance?

- Visualization stimulates the same parts of the brain as when performing the same activities in practice. For example, imagine for a moment the look, smell and touch of a lemon cut into quarters. And then imagine that you put one of them in your mouth. You will probably find that your mouth begins to fill with saliva because your body responds to your visualization.

- Visualization conveys a lot of information. As the popular saying says: "It is better to see once than to hear 100 times." For example, showing just one vivid scene from history can help students remember and recall many abstract details.

- Visualization enhances attention because it keeps the audience focused on the subject. For example, many students report that they create a kind of "film in their head," and then the "visual effects" maintain their concentration and interest.

- Visualization helps to remember. Linking an image to what you're learning helps you both remember and reproduce the information you need later.

Some researchers even advise asking the following questions:

1. What colors do you see?

2. What are the dimensions of the parts?

3. What shape are they?

4. How many of them?

5. What mood or feelings do they evoke in you?

6. From what point of view do you look at these objects?

7. What are all the details of this background?

8. In what direction are they?

9. Are they in motion?

10. Are there any smells or tastes at the moment?

Of course, you can agree or disagree. But in reality, such a scheme will only initially cause "tension". Over time, this can be brought to automatism.