Historical Background
Dual coding theory has its roots in the practical use of imagery as a memory
aid 2500 years ago (Yates, 1966). The memory emphasis evolved into broader
applications of imagery aimed at accelerating the acquisition of knowledge.
Language was always implicated but became explicitly involved as an educational
partner when imagery began to be systematically externalized as pictures. The
language emphasis increased during the Renaissance when influences from
imagery mnemonics systems and formal logic brought words and things together
in a “new logic” in which language was intended to mirror the structure of the
world (Rossi, 2002). Religious iconoclasm and other influences raised doubts
about the efficacy and morality of imagery and elevated language to the dominant
position that it still occupies in education. Modern empirical evidence led to a
revival of imagery and the beginnings of an educationally relevant DCT. The
following summarizes some of the main events and players in this long drama.