Download resource

Please enter your details to download this resource
Login
 

Enter your details to access this video

Or if you already have an account login to watch the video (if you don't you can register here).
Login
Approximate reading time: 1 minute

Dual coding, developed by Allan Pavio, is a teaching method that combines different types of stimuli to support students to learn and remember information. It is particularly beneficial for learners with special educational needs. An example might be combining words with pictures or audio with text.

Tip or Idea: Start with an image and ask students to explain in their own words what they mean or flip it around and provide students with a word and ask them to draw or create their own image.

Free resource to help you with this activity: Dual coding is key to the Learning Village programme. Try using our exercise resources to see how the combination of images and words can help your learners.


More articles by this author

colourful speech bubbles
Created: Wed 5th Nov 2025

How societies, schools, and families view and support learners with SEND is often shaped by cultural beliefs, values, and traditions. It is important to consider the families you work with and be aware of potential differences. Respecting values, adapting approaches, and using inclusive language can help to achieve strong partnerships between school and home. Terms like special needs or disability may not always translate directly across languages, so discussing strengths and differences may be a more helpful approach.

scaffolded learning
Created: Mon 9th Mar 2026

Progressing from single words to full sentences is essential for learners’ confidence and access to the curriculum. The first goal is to build vocabulary and meaning. Start with key vocabulary using visuals, repetition, and word banks. Next, support learners with sentence stems and substitution tables to build phrases and gradually progress to expanding sentences with adjectives and conjunctions.

Colourful shapes
Created: Wed 31st Jul 2024

Every learner is unique! This includes your SEND learners. Sometimes you need to create a bespoke resource to support their individual needs.

Tip or Idea: Using multimodal resources can provide a multi-layered approach to learning, removing barriers for learners and creating a fun, engaging learning environment.

Back to Blog