1. The role of graphics in
business English textbooks
Cameron Romney
& Leon Bell
Center for Foreign Language Education
Momoyama Gakuin University
JALT PAN-SIG Conference
May 22, 2011
19. Criteria for
Decorative v. Instructional
Are there written instructions in the text on
how to use the graphic?
Yes No
↓ ↓
Instructional Decorative
20. Criteria for
Decorative v. Instructional
Misanchuk (citing several studies): “while
students may look at the pictures that
accompany text, they ... don’t actually use
them to learn unless told to do so.” p. 249
24. vs. Hill (2003)
Texts Total Images Yes No
Hill 2 411 185 226
(2003)
Current
15 2265 610 1655
Study
Hill -89% -85% 45% 55%
(2003)
Current
Study
+89% +85% 27% 73%
39. The “Flick” Test
“...that they [publishers] gave more attention
to first impressions the material would make
(the ‘flick’ test) than its ... usability” p. 125
Bell and Gower (1998)
40. “It would be interesting to compare the
reactions of learners ... to today’s highly
designed full colour coursebooks. Does the
expenditure of so much time and money
increase the effectiveness of learning, or
merely ensure that one book is purchased
rather than another? To what extent is a
fashionable design a barrier rather than a aid
to learning” p. 141
Prowse (1998)
41. The role of graphics in
business English textbooks
Cameron Romney
& Leon Bell
Center for Foreign Language Education
Momoyama Gakuin University
JALT PAN-SIG Conference
May 22, 2011