The Picture Prompt activity involves students attempting to identify and explain what an image is showing. Once multiple options are explored, the correct answer will be given. For creative disciplines, educators can encourage students to pitch their interpretations instead of revealing “correct” answers.
Instructions
- Display selected images to the students.
- Have students individually identify and write down what they believe the images show.
- Encourage students to provide explanations or descriptions related to their interpretations.
- Reveal the correct answer and explain, clarifying any misconceptions.
Resources
A series of images related to the class topic
Variations
- Make it a game: Turn the activity into a competitive game. Set a time limit for analysing and explaining each image. Award points for creative, accurate and well-justified interpretations. Keep a scoreboard to create a sense of competition and motivation.
- Use multimedia: Instead of using images, use audio or video as the prompt.
- Use digital platforms: Use online collaboration tools or platforms to conduct the activity virtually. Students can simultaneously view and annotate the image, discussing their interpretations in real-time chat or discussion boards. For instance, educators can use PollEverywhere to display the results in real-time (e.g. word cloud)
- Make it student-driven: Have students chair the picture prompt sessions in turns. The responsibility includes preparing an image and facilitating the session.
References
Picture Prompts for Online Classes | Teaching Writing (bu.edu)