A study was carried out by Unicef to see how quickly villagers could improve their visual literacy. Various "development illustrations" were used with 480 non-literate respondents in the Mid-West of Nepal to test their understanding. The group who received some training in illustration techniques (eg concept of representing perspective) improved dramatically compared to a control group. Men scored higher than women. "Overt teaching of illustration techniques was particularly beneficial with regard to perspective and how illustrations portray the way people react to each other". Other issues highlighted were the importance of questioning whether a development illustration attracts/influences people (as well as testing comprehension) and not just to reflect local imagery and conditions, thereby "denying the imagination realms outside present experience". A small study was also conducted on the comprehension of three kinds of videos.
Publication year:
1989
Interest groups:
The findings made regarding the type of development pictures which have greatest effect should interest trainers and fieldworkers who use visual aids to stimulate discussion or aid communication.
Pages:
20p.
Publisher reference:
Unicef Nepal