If you can't imagine things, how can you learn?

We know some people can't conjure up mental images. But we're only beginning to understand the impact this "aphantasia" might have on their education

Never underestimate the power of visualisation. It may sound like a self-help mantra, but a growing body of evidence shows that mental imagery can accelerate learning and improve performance of all sorts of skills. For athletes and musicians, "going through the motions," or mentally rehearsing the movements in the mind, is just as effective as physical training, and motor imagery can also help stroke patients regain function of their paralysed limbs.

For most of us, visual imagery is essential for memory, daydreaming and imagination. But some people apparently lack a mind's eye altogether, and find it impossible to conjure up such visual images - and their inability to do so may affect their ability to learn and their educational performance.