TESOL Material Design | Class 002

Members of group D
Nasyiatul Husna A1B222017
Ratu Khansa Arena A1B222020
Yulia Siti Zulaiha A1B222033
Ditha Ainal Husna A1B222039
M.Auvha Ravellyno Putra A1B222060

THE ROLE OF VISUAL ELEMNTS IN COURSEBOOK AND DIGITAL

MATERIALS

ABSTRACT
In this paper, the function and importance of visual elements in English Language Teaching
(ELT) are examined, with particular attention to their inclusion in both conventional
coursebooks and digital resources. Visual elements, which include pictures, graphics, images,
infographics, and other visual information material things are essential for improving language
learners' understanding, participation, and retention. This study intends to highlight the
significance of visual aids in supporting efficient language learning and teaching methods
through an extensive investigation of their forms and functions in ELT materials.

INTRODUCTION
In the context of English Language Teaching (ELT), visual elements are essential tools that
help learners of all levels and backgrounds comprehend and participate. Students can benefit
from clarity, context, and stimulation provided by visual components in both classic
coursebook materials and contemporary digital resources. For instructors looking to maximize
their teaching strategies and meet the diverse requirements of students, it is imperative that they
comprehend the role and kinds of visual aids in English Language Teaching.

DISCUSSION
1. Definition of Visual Aids
Visual aids in teaching English (ELT) are instructional tools that present information or
material visually for the purpose of teaching English or for classroom use.Visual elements
are considered as any visual material such as drawings, and photos included in a textbook
which facilitates learning (Tomlinson, 2003). In another definition according to Burton,
“Visual aids are those sensory objects or images which initiate or stimulate and support
learning”. Kinder, S. James also described that visual aids any devices which can be used
to make the learning experience more real, more accurate and more active”. Here, visual
aids in ELT can assist learners of all levels and backgrounds in learning English more
effectively. By using visual aids in instructional materials, learning can become easier to
understand and more engaging by visually demonstrating concepts that might otherwise
seem dull. In ELT materials, there are four common visual aids elements:

1) single and composite pictures,

2) stick figures,

3) color or black-and-white photographs,

4) graphs.

Regarding instructional materials using visual aids, we focus on two types of resources:
Coursebooks and Digital Material.

A. The Visual Elements in EFL Coursebooks

The Visual Elements in EFL Coursebooks is how teaching and learning are the
important element in education. The teacher use different approaches and substantial to
teach their students and their active learning. With the passage of time, altered methods and
techniques are entered in the field of education and teacher use different kind of aids to
effective learning.

a) Types Elements of Visual design in Coursebooks

1. Illustrations : Illustrations serve to simplify an object to clearly illustrate the
characteristics of an object.
2. Graphics : Graphics are used to explain data in a more organized and clear way.
3. Photos : Photos show what something looks like in realistic detail or show how
something is used. These photos are very useful for providing real visual evidence.
4. Maps : Maps Although not explicitly mentioned in the sources provided, maps are
commonly used to show geographical locations, routes or areas of interest. Maps
can be used to illustrate spatial relationships, such as the location of historical sites
or the distribution of a phenomenon in a geographic area.
b) The Role of Visual Elements In Coursebook
Visual elements play a significant role in coursebooks by enhancing the learning
experience and supporting students’ understanding and engagement. Here are some
key roles of visual elements:
1. Facilitating Comprehension: Visual elements such as diagrams, charts, graphs,
and illustrations can help clarify complex concepts and make them more
accessible to students. These visuals provide a visual representation of
information, making it easier for students to understand and remember.
2. Supporting Multimodal Learning: Visual elements cater to different learning
styles and preferences. While some students may learn best through reading and
listening, others may benefit more from visual representations. Including visual
elements in coursebooks ensures that diverse learners can engage with the material
effectively.
3. Enhancing Engagement: Visuals can capture students’ attention and make the
content more engaging. Colorful images, graphics, and visual cues can stimulate
interest, motivate students to explore the material further, and maintain their focus
during the learning process.
4. Promoting Memory Retention: Visual elements aid in memory retention by
providing visual cues that can trigger recall. Students are more likely to remember
information when it is presented visually alongside textual explanations. Visuals
also help in organizing and structuring information, making it easier for students
to remember and retrieve later.
5. Providing Context and Real-World Connections: Visual elements can provide
context and real-world connections to the content being taught. They can illustrate
examples, scenarios, or real-life applications, helping students understand the
relevance and practicality of the concepts they are learning.
6. Fostering Creativity and Critical Thinking: Visual elements can inspire creativity
and critical thinking by presenting information in different ways. They encourage
students to analyze, interpret, and evaluate visual representations, fostering
higher-order thinking skills.
B. The Visual Elements in EFL Digital Materials
Digital materials in here are learning resources or information like websites, apps,
videos, and exercises that you can access on digital technology or devices like computers
and phones. They also help learners to learning languages with things like grammar lessons,
vocabulary practice, and interactive activities. These materials make it easy to study
English wherever you are, using technology. So, in here visual elements plays an important
role.
a) Types of Common Visual Elements in Digital Material
1. Images: Visual representations are incredibly powerful, and images play a crucial
role in digital materials. They can aid understanding, evoke emotions, and enhance
the overall reading experience.
2. Graphics: From charts and graphs to diagrams and workflows, graphics visually
represent data and concepts, making complex information easier to understand.
3. Infographics: Infographics combine text and visual elements to present complex
information in a visually appealing and easily understandable format, making them
highly shareable across various digital platforms.
b) The Role of Visual Element in Digitalmaterial
1. Attract and maintain student interest in learning the material: Visual aids make
learning more interesting by capturing students' attention and sparking their
curiosity. Materi digital sering kali mencakup elemen multimedia seperti video,
animasi, simulasi interaktif, dan pengalaman realitas virtual. Visualisasi dinamis ini
dapat menarik perhatian siswa secara lebih efektif daripada visual statis atau metode
pengajaran tradisional.
2. Enhance Understanding: Visual aids simplify complex topics, like grammar rules,
making it easier for students to grasp the concepts.
3. Clarify Difficult Concepts: Visual aids help clarify challenging topics, such as the
future perfect tense, by breaking them down into simpler components.
4. Promote Retention: Visual aids support various learning styles, ensuring that all
students can engage with the material effectively. By incorporating visually-based
activities into lessons, teachers can help students remember the information for
longer periods.
CONCLUSION

In essence, English language learning, the use of visual elements has a significant impact on
improving learning process. Whether in the context of traditional textbooks or digital materials,
visual elements such as images, graphics and photos help convey information more clearly and
engagingly. With visual elements, learning English becomes more comprehensible and
engaging for students of different backgrounds and ability levels. Therefore, an emphasis on
the integration of visual aids in the curriculum and teaching methods is important for educators
in optimizing an effective and enjoyable language learning process.

REFERENCE

Handoyo Puji Widodo & Lilia Savova (2010), The Lincom Guide to Materials Design in ELT.
The Use of Visual Aids in ELT Materials; Adriadi Novawan, (pp.39-54)

Hill, D. A. (2003). The visual elements in EFL coursebooks. In B. Tomlinson (Ed.), Developing
materials for language teaching (pp. 174-182). London: Continuum Press.

Roohani, A., & Sharifi, M. (2015). Evaluating Visual Elements in Two EFL Textbooks.
Indonesian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 4(2), 68-77.
Shabiralyani, G., Hasan, K. S., Hamad, N., & Iqbal, N. (2015). Impact of Visual Aids in
Enhancing the Learning Process: Case Research; District Dera Ghazi Khan. Journal of
Education and Practice, 6, 226-233.