THE POWER OF IMAGE IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate the effectiveness of using infographics as a learning tool in enhancing learners’ comprehension and memory retention in the Foundation Program of the English Language (FPEL) in the Language Center at Sultan Qaboos University. The paper first highlights the increasing need for making the new generation visually literate. This is due to the fact that the use of visuals in media and the online world has intensified. Then, it defines infographics as a learning and teaching tool and discusses the rationale for using this tool in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms. To explore the effect of infographics on learners’ comprehension and memory retention, an experimental and a control group were randomly selected from the English for Commerce Program (Level six students) at the Language Center. Two tests were administered for both groups to investigate the effectiveness of the infographic used with the experimental group. The results of the two quizzes revealed that the use of infographics in EFL classes enhances students' comprehension of what is learned in class and boosts their ability to recall it after one week.