Concrete examples and dual coding

Step 1 Warm-up recall

From M5.L2: what is the order of fading?

Your answer

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Step 2 Learning goal

By the end of this lesson you can:

• give a concrete example of an abstract idea (Foundation);
• explain dual coding (Core);
• build and check an example table (Core).

Step 3 A familiar example

The idea of "average" is abstract. Saying "4, 6 and 8 average 6" gives you something to picture and check.

Step 4 Clear explanation

Abstract statements are compact but hard to hold. A concrete example gives the idea something to attach to. Good practice is to use several examples that differ on the surface but share the same idea, so you notice what stays the same.

Check the middle row: 4 + 6 + 8 = 18 and 18 / 3 = 6. Dual coding (Paivio) is the idea that words and images are handled in partly separate ways, so an idea stored both ways has two routes back.

You need not draw well: a rough diagram, timeline or table is enough. The drawing is useful because making it forces you to decide how the parts connect. Pictures help when they carry meaning; a decorative picture does not, and may distract. Avoid cramming a picture and a long spoken text on the same item, which can overload working memory; see working memory.

Step 5 Worked example (4 marks)

Give a concrete example of an average of 5 using three numbers, and check it.

1. Choose three numbers adding to 15: 3, 5 and 7. (1 mark)
2. Add: 3 + 5 + 7 = 15. (1 mark)
3. Divide by 3: 15 / 3 = 5. (1 mark)
4. Answer: 3, 5 and 7 average 5. (1 mark)

Step 6 Learner practice (instant-marked)

Step 7 Recap

• Concrete examples anchor abstract ideas.
• Use several different examples of one idea.
• Rough diagrams give a second route in.

Step 8 Exit ticket (ungraded)

Give a concrete example of the spacing effect.

Your answer

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Step 9 Go further (Extension)

Build a three-row table of idea, abstract statement and concrete example for your course.