Dual Coding and Elementary Education

As a vice principal it is imperative to create the best learning environment and opportunities for every student in the school.  The curriculum has been designed to better allow teachers to provide students with multiple ways of understanding and demonstrating knowledge. Students learn in so many different ways that it is important for them to have knowledge delivered to them in multiple ways. In the past, information was passed along to students in written format for the most part, but by including visual cues like pictures or audio clues it allows all students to better understand the information.  It takes away uncertainty, increases comprehension and creates equity for all learners.

The other side of this is inclusion and how the movement for inclusivity is gaining momentum as a primary focus in school districts across the province.  Classrooms are now more diverse as ever, and teachers are required to provide programming to pupils who have extreme diverse learning needs.  Dual coding allows for the teacher to make sure that they are reaching all their students in an equitable format.  With more students receiving individual education plans it is important for teachers to use strategies like dual coding to assist students, plus it is beneficial for all students and would fall in the Universal Design for Learning model.  As an administrator, dual coding theory is great for staff meetings, presentations and assemblies, basically any time people are receiving information that is needing to be processed.  It is needed more than ever and provides educators an effective way to deliver information.