Can Infographics be Pedagogically Used in EFL Classes?*

Abstract

Departing from the notion that the EFL teacher is supposed to have passion for his profession, he has to explore new teaching strategies not only to do the job, but to master it as well practicing the old saw “Those who teach learn twice”. Doing so, the teacher strives to change his teaching climate from being dull and monotonous into being collaborative and interactive. This change is often seen to involve three forms of knowing: knowing that, knowing how, and knowing why. Infographics (as a term) is believed to have much to do with such a three-phase mode of change. This research paper addresses how infographics can be used to develop different language skills in EFL classes. The paper has four sections. Section one deals with an overview on visuality (visual communication, visual literacy, visual learning, visual language, and visual thinking). Section two tackles infographics: its definition, some theories underpinning infographics, components, types, importance, and objectives in teaching/learning contexts, and infographics in EFL contexts. Section three sheds light on some research on infographics. The paper concludes with section four which proposes a conceptual framework for using infographics in EFL classes