Displays & Realia

The Department of Agricultural Education
The University of Arizona

A Visual Check-List

Is your visual worth making?

Is it essential to the understanding of your lesson?
Is it aimed at your audience?
Does it deserve the emphasis which a visual gives?
Have you clearly defined your objective?

Will words alone describe your point?

If words are sufficient, don't make a visual.

Does the visual complement the verbal commentary?

Your visual should supplement the verbal medium rather than replace it.

Does your visual achieve unity?

Is it free from incompatible and complicating ideas, symbols, art techniques, or type faces?

Are your symbols acceptable?

Have you considered your audience?
Are you symbols meaningful to your audience?

Is it visually fluent?

Is the art functional or ornate?
Is it really one visual or several?
Are complex subjects presented in comprehensible units (overlays)?
Was the art work designed for this medium, or borrowed without modification from another type of presentation?

Is the visual honest?

Have the facts been distorted?

Does it utilize all available techniques which will improve its efficiency?

Is color used effectively?
Have you considered sequential disclosure or build-up?

Is the visual intended for the benefit of the audience or of the speaker?

Have you avoided projecting "Program Notes" or "Outlines"?
Is your transparency a visualization or a "reading session"?

Is your visual completely readable by the entire audience?

Will there be an unobstructed view of the screen?
Is the printing large enough?
If you can't read it from the back row--don't use it. (20 point font is generally recommended.)

How much effort did you put into the visual?

Is it as good as you can make it?
Have you sought criticism from others?
Have you tested the visual?

Has it achieved your objective?

Has your audience understood it?
Has it changed attitudes and/or behaviors?

Tips on Displays

Choose a subject

Draw a plan--make rough sketches

Make a scale model

Keep lettering strong and simple

Include 4 key elements of poster design:

	The illustration
	The Title
	The body copy
	Open space

Notes on Constructing Educational Displays

Materials to use

	real material (specimens, hardware etc.)
	pictures, photographs
	construction paper, tag board
	yarn, string, rope, wire, florescent tape
	fabric, arts & crafts supplies
	contact paper
	foil
	almost anything...

Lettering Materials

	prepared letters
	letters from computer graphics
	stencil
	transfer letters
	large enough to read easily across the room

Attachment Materials

	Velcro
	thumb tacks
	staples
	brads
	pins
	tacky gum
	double sided tape

Creating graphics

	using a scanner
	computerized software
	opaque projectors
	overhead projectors

Labor

	You and your creative brain!!!
	Students--involve them in the creation of boards and displays. Even less artistic students often have brilliant ideas. Involving them increases their interest in the subject matter.

Display Evaluation

item

points

headlines/title

	Easy to see, read; can be seen from a distance
	Originality, grabs attention
	Purpose is clear, understandable for target audience

headlines/headings are illustrated

	Items clearly labeled, captions for all pictures
	Photos in color, large, real people or activities
	Material on display has clear purpose
	Audience participation devices; live exhibits

effective arrangement

	Pleasing, well-planned use of specific colors
	Balanced: space, color design, shapes or symbols
	Center of interest
	Well organized; idea flows

overall effect

	Message clear, understandable, applies to viewer
	Gets attention
	Passes 10 second test

total

100

Function of Resource Materials

....coming soon!

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at the University of Arizona