The idea
Dual coding combines verbal explanations with visual representations that convey relevant relationships. The visual should help explain the idea, not simply decorate the page. Translating between a diagram and words can reveal whether a learner understands what each element means.
Worked example
A learner studying stocks and flows draws a box for unread messages, an incoming arrow for arrivals, and outgoing arrows for completed and deleted messages. Beside the drawing she writes the accounting relationship. When she notices that “messages per day” labels an arrow rather than the box, the diagram helps distinguish rate from accumulation. She explains the diagram aloud without looking at the written equation, then checks for missing flows.
Use it carefully
A cluttered diagram can add confusion. Use clear labels, units where relevant, and a textual explanation that remains usable without seeing the image. Dual coding is not a claim that people have fixed visual or verbal learning types. Choose a representation suited to the content and accessibility needs. A decorative photograph beside an unrelated paragraph does not necessarily provide the same instructional benefit.
FROM UNDERSTANDING TO ACTION
Put it to work.
Draw one concept as a simple labeled diagram. Write a full text description and remove any element that contributes no meaning.
RETRIEVE. REASON. REMEMBER.
Knowledge check.
Choose one answer for each question, then check your reasoning.
Sources & further reading.
Links support the core concepts or identify the book. Examples, exercises, and critical analysis are original Institute material. Source checks are not an independent expert review of every claim.
- The Learning Scientists: dual coding ↗
The Learning Scientists: dual coding; supports the core concept. Scenarios, calculations, and practice questions are original. Source reviewed 2026-10-19.