Abstract
In this study, the “Kanzu” (Figurative-sign-interpretation) approach are applied to disaster prevention education to confirm its educational effectiveness. “Kanzu” composition is a method to develop writing skills by “reading” visual texts (illustrations, photos, videos, etc.) and creating sentences. By using a photograph taken in tsunami-affected area of the Great East Japan Earthquake as a visual text, “Kanzu” composition class was conducted for high-school students in Kobe city, Hyogo prefecture. As a result, it was confirmed that the “Kanzu” approach not only makes students aware of the need for thinking and expressing skills, but also has the effect of making them realize that there are various ways of seeing and thinking. In terms of the effect of disaster prevention education, the use of photograph of survivors as visual text has the potential to foster a sense of one’s own problem, as it switches from one's own perspective to that of the survivors.
