Visulgraph to Support the Teaching and Learning of Line Graph Description

Abstract

Visual learning has received significant research attention in teaching and learning. However, there has been a lack of research conducted to explore its use in the teaching of graphs and charts. In fact, limited innovative tools have been designed for the specific purposes of teaching graphs and charts. Hence, this paper attempts to address this gap by exploring the use of Visulgraph to scaffold ESL learners in this context. Visulgraph was developed to assist students in describing the trends, movements and distribution patterns in a line graph, with a particular focus on preparing them using appropriate vocabulary in their spoken presentation. This study employed a one group pre-test and post-test experimental design and serves as a pilot study for the said innovation. Participants were forty-two (42) ESL learners from one of the polytechnics in Malaysia who attended a communicative English course. Data were collected via pre- and post-tests to measure vocabulary knowledge, a survey form and focus group interviews. The findings revealed that the majority of the participants (83.3%) have improved their vocabulary for graph description with the use of Visulgraph. Thematic analysis discovered five themes, namely, facilitating explanation of trends in graphs, facilitating reading and understanding of trends in graphs, enriching vocabulary for graph description, facilitating sentence construction and enhancing lesson clarity/ student learning. The findings offer insights into how students can be scaffolded in the teaching and learning of graphs and charts with visual support.