Review of Visual Education

Abstract

Reviews the book, Visual Education edited by Frank N. Freeman (1924). In this volume we have a comparative study of motion pictures and other means of instruction. Part I consists of a presentation of the problem and method of procedure in the study and a concise summary and interpretation of the results of the investigation. Part II gives at length the details of each of the 13 investigations carried on by different members of the investigating staff. Part II describes 2 general themes that were investigated -- the relative efficiency of motion pictures and other means of instruction, and an analysis of the content of motion picture films on the basis of subtitles, still objects and moving objects. There is no indication that pictures in any form can take the place of language in the presentation of subject matter to children. It is true that pictorial representation, including motion pictures, have a place in instruction, but their use is limited to certain kinds of material. However, the evidence resulting from the investigation indicate that motion pictures as a means of instruction generally are superior to other visual aids. There is evidence found in the study that there has not been sufficient care in selecting subject-matter to which motion picture instruction has been applied. Films are expensive and are greatly restricted in their use, so that from a viewpoint of economy, it seems unwise to put subject-matter in the form of motion pictures. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)