Upon completing this lesson segment, you will be able to 

• write a definition of the word "referent" 
• write at least three types of educational messages that can be communicated visually. 
• Sketch an example of at least one educational message when given an educational message type, such as "Sketch an image to represent the concept of 'Buy American-made products.'"

A visual image is called a referent because it refers to what is being taught or discussed. 

A visual image can represent a word,

A visual image can represent a word, a concept,

 
 

A visual image can represent a word, a concept, a relationship, a process,

A visual image can represent a word, a concept, a relationship, a process, a structure,

 

Remember in instruction, a visual image can aid learning because it is more concrete than abstract words.

Research has shown that learning is maximized when learners can 
hear
 
 

see
 
 

and readthe same instructional content.