Rhetoric Meets Remedy: Visual Rhetoric in a Collaborative Classroom

In the previous blog posts of this series,  I shared how I’ve transformed my English classroom into a collaborative space where students aren’t just studying media literacy, but are actively creating it. This cross-curricular approach connects with what they’re learning in Health class, empowering them to use language and media as tools for promoting positive health practices.

But the work doesn’t stop there. Students take it a step further, becoming published authors by designing infographics and research-based health magazine articles. This creative output isn’t just impressive; it’s a powerful example of skill transfer. The content they learn in their Health/PE class becomes a launchpad for meaningful creative expression that educates and influences others to adopt healthier lifestyles. 

In the age where visual storytelling dominates how students process information, integrating infographics into the classroom is a perfect way to bridge the gap between traditional teaching methods and modern communication. Infographics transform traditional classroom content into a visually stimulating and interactive experience that enhances learning. By combining images, charts, and text, students not only become experts at using visual rhetoric, but build connections to the content, retaining information more effectively. 

Infographics and magazine articles created by high school students at Model Laboratory School in Kentucky

Similar to infographics, magazine articles bring real-world relevance into the classroom, offering a way for students to format current, credible information. When the articles are based on conducted research, students not only deepen their understanding of the topic, but also learn how to structure evidence-based arguments, synthesize information, and use critical thinking to engage with their intended audience. It also pushes students to become more objective and accurate in their writing, sorting the accurate information from the biased perspectives. 

Starting to see the possibilities these tools can unlock in your classroom? Whether students are analyzing historical events, exploring scientific data, or crafting persuasive arguments, infographics and research-based magazine articles are dynamic ways to showcase understanding and make learning memorable. Here’s a snapshot of both concepts and ideas for implementation.

By incorporating visual rhetoric into your classroom, you are empowering your students to think critically while being creative with how they present information and communicate with purpose. These projects don’t just build skills - they spark engagement and make learning relevant.