Understanding Dual Coding: How Combining Words and Images Supercharges Learning

When you see the word “apple,” what first comes to mind? Maybe you visualize the letters a-p-p-l-e, followed by the image of a shiny red or green apple (yes—Granny Smith counts too). You might even imagine the crisp sound of biting into it, the sweet–tart flavor, or memories of the best apple pie you’ve ever had.

These layered sensory memories—sight, sound, taste—work together to form your complete understanding of what an apple is.

This multisensory process is the foundation of dual coding.

What Is Dual Coding?

Dual coding is a learning method that pairs visuals with written or verbal information to strengthen understanding and improve memory. By engaging multiple processing systems in your brain, you can absorb and recall information more effectively.

Even though dual coding may sound similar to the myth of learning styles, it’s actually the opposite. Learning styles try to categorize people into a single type (visual, auditory, etc.), while dual coding intentionally combines these formats to enhance learning for everyone.

Putting Dual Coding Into Practice

Incorporating dual coding into your studies is easier than it sounds—and you may already be doing it. Anytime you combine visuals with verbal explanations, you're engaging in dual coding.

For example:

• Pharmacy students might create tables of medications organized by class, side effects, and uses.
• EMT students may sketch the respiratory system and label each anatomical structure.

Helpful vs. Unhelpful Visuals

Examples of Dual Coding Techniques

Here are practical ways to apply dual coding when learning new material:

Visual + Verbal Learning Strategies

• Labeled diagrams (e.g., anatomy illustrations)
• Graphic organizers such as flow charts, Venn diagrams, and storyboards
• Timelines that map events across an easy-to-interpret scale
• Infographics that combine text, symbols, and structured visuals
• Icons and symbols that represent concepts or categories

Make Sure Visuals Have Purpose

Random clipart doesn't reinforce learning—it can actually distract from it. Effective dual coding requires meaningful, context-rich visuals.

For example:
A simple picture of a leaf doesn’t teach plant biology. A labeled diagram of leaf structures does.

Draw Your Own Imagery

Dual coding becomes even more impactful when you create the visuals yourself.
You don’t need artistic skill—your drawings only need to make sense to you. Sketching concepts from memory strengthens comprehension and recall.

Why Dual Coding Works

Psychologist Allan Paivio, who introduced dual coding in the 1970s, showed that humans naturally process both verbal and visual information. When you use both channels together:

• You form deeper, richer mental representations.
• You work around the natural limits of your working memory.
• You “double up” on comprehension by engaging two processing paths at once.

Relying solely on text or solely on visuals underuses your mental capacity. Dual coding optimizes it.

Final Thoughts

Next time you study something new, try adding a bit of dual coding. Even a simple mind map or Venn diagram can make your learning more effective and memorable.

Your brain is already wired to think in pictures and words—dual coding helps you use that ability to its fullest.