Visual Materials Help Improve Knowledge Retention

David Byers

July 2001

Objectives

The objective of this slide show is

To introduce the concept that visual materials help improve knowledge retention

Visual Materials Improve Retention

Studies suggest that visual aids help learners retain information better than information presented verbally only

Visual Materials Improve Retention

One study suggested the following retention rate, measured 24 hours after class, based on the type of instruction provided

Verbal presentation--25% information retained

Visual presentation--45% information retainedCombined visual and verbal presentation--

65% information retained

Visual Materials Improve Retention

After 3 days, the retention rate dropped for visual and verbal only, but remained constant for a combination approach

Verbal only 3-day retention rate--10% Visual only 3-day retention rate--20% Combination 3-day retention rate--65%

Visual Materials Improve Retention

Presenters normally speak at about 130 words per minute

Learners can listen at 4-5 times that rate

Visual displays provide learners with stimulation to compensate for the difference and balance the input

Summary

Studies show A combined approach of verbal

presentation with visual materials helps improve knowledge retention over visual or verbal only