Effectiveness of visual images in social science textbooks at primary level

Textbook is fundamental tool in teaching-learning process of social science at primary level. It is found in every classroom and accessible to every student. From the earliest to the advanced stages of education, various types of visuals are included in social science textbooks in order to promote pupil's learning. A good social science textbooks needs and presents illustrative material like pictures, charts, maps and graphs etc., to explain the content matter which the teacher and the student can use to their advantage. In connection with iconic turn and expansion of visual culture their number still increases. Visual images can serve as key didactic means for visualising and mediating ideas to young pupils and also for supporting their exploration of the educational content. Across disciplines, students engage with images and visual materials throughout the course of their education. For students to take advantage of the widespread and growing use of various illustrations in social science textbooks, they must develop visual literacy skills, which include the ability to examine different pictorial representations in a variety of contexts and make meaning from the images. Illustrations promote learning and understanding of text, developing concepts improve attitudes and interests of students.