Dual Coding Blitz: A 5-Minute Strategy to Improve Student Memory
In one ear. Out the other.
In one eye. Out the other. Just try not to picture it.
Unless you use an effective dual-coding strategy.
Dual coding works because the brain processes visual and verbal information through partially separate systems—the visuospatial and the verbal. This leads to encoding of the same ideas in two different ways.
When student brains store the same content as both words and images, they build stronger neural connections that make later information retrieval easier.
This also reduces cognitive load and strengthens memory as the brain has more retrieval cues (memory triggers) to work with and more than one way of accessing the information.
So next time your students are learning, combine verbal with visual and the learning will be more than usual.
Here’s the way:
How to Use the Dual Coding Blitz Strategy
Show a diagram, chart, or visual for about 30 seconds.
Remove it from view completely.
Individual students recreate it from memory with simple sketches and words.
Have them compare with a partner and fill in gaps.
(Optional) Show the original again for a quick self-check or round 2 if you have more than 5 minutes.
Why Dual Coding Improves Memory and Learning
Promotes Retrieval, Not Copying
Once the image is gone, students can’t rely on recognition. They have to pull it from memory, which strengthens learning.
Combines Two Modes of Learning
Students combine visuals (sketches) and verbal/textual explanations. Two ways of encoding = better memory.
Reduces Cognitive Overload
Instead of processing a complex diagram all at once, students rebuild it in pieces. Chunking information like this makes learning easier.
Reveals Gaps In Knowledge
Missing labels or incorrect parts show exactly what students don’t understand—so you can fix it immediately.
Pro Tips To Increase Student Engagement
Use simple, clear visuals (avoid cluttered slides).
Give a focus: “Pay attention to the…” or “Notice the...”
Emphasize accuracy over art and keep it short (the quick and dirty…).
From Seeing to Remembering
While seeing is believing, it isn’t necessarily learning.
Unless they recall and rebuild what they saw.
Then, they can keep building on top of it, but that’s next time so stay tuned.
Thanks for reading!
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Equity-Promoting Classroom Poster. What does EQUITY in the classroom look like?
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In this 3- to 4-day lesson, designed for a high school Earth and Space Science classroom, student groups are assigned and investigate 4 leading solutions to the climate change crisis our planet is experiencing. Then, they are called upon to debate against each other to try to convince others that their solution is the most viable and provide counterarguments against other solutions. It’s an intellectual thunderdome in which students are encouraged to use science to attacks each others points of view on climate change but not character.
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Rote memorization out; seeking answers and deeper learning in.
The debate-style approach to learning is engaging and motivating for learners, because they are challenged to use real evidence and their wits to outmaneuver their opposition.
Not only do they act as investigators, developing communication, collaboration, and argumentation skills but they learn about viable solutions to the climate change conundrum we all find ourselves in. They learn Earth and Space Science content while investigating and debating solutions to a real-world phenomenon, which is what the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) call for.
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Research multiple, complex climate change solutions to discover that the world is more complicated than a single TikTok trend.
Articulate scientific arguments with actual evidence.
Listen to opposing viewpoints, to hone "social awareness" skills.
Realize that climate change solutions are multi-faceted, messy, and require more than just good vibes.
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24 slides that introduce, explain, and guide the teacher and students
Detailed teacher notes on prep, main lesson, and follow up activities
General Lesson flow for teacher to follow to make it all seamless
A short and funny “hook” to increase student buy in
Detailed student directions
A list (research starter pack) of links to legit, scientific websites for students to use.
Group roles (team jobs) with descriptions of what each entails.
4 climate change solutions to assign to 4 different student groups
Student Learning and Performance Objectives
Detailed Grading Rubric to guide students and make assessment easy
Debate Day introduction and format description
Follow up discussion questions (reflection and debrief)
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Explain how weather data is collected and interpreted.
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16 slides (Google Slides link for easy use and editing to fit your purposes)
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Link to a grading rubric for student and teacher use (printable doc).
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Questions?
Email me at oskar@crushschool.com. I’m happy to answer your questions.
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