Visualization
Traditional educational systems tend to emphasize the verbal, print and numerical modes of learning. Recently, there has been a wave of change in education, with an increasing emphasis on visual literacy. Visual learning means using pictures to help solve problems, represent complex issues, brainstorm solutions, and communicate to others. In everyday life and in learning, visual information is used to interpret experience and build understanding. This can be illustrated in three ways. First, visual thinking is part of the way we gather information and interpret, such as when we extract information from a map, chart or table and represent and express it in language. Second, visual thinking can be essential and powerful in problem solving, as when we need to use a drawing to plan and visualize the factors involved in reaching a solution. Third, visual representation can play a role in communication, for instance using diagrams and visual forms to communicate information, represent data and show relationships.
NuLink Charter School uses the power of visual thinking to help students to engage in learning. Based on carefully designed visuals, students participate in facilitated discussion to practice respectful collaborative problem solving skills, which transfer to other social and academic interactions. This nurtures verbal language skills and builds strong writing ability. This learning path generates growth in all students, from challenged and ESL learners to high achievers. Through visual thinking, students progress through stages of actualization, construction, classification, interpretation, and re-creation. Tools for visual thinking include PowerPoint, video viewing and production, Electronic Classroom, and Quick Time VR.
References:
Housen, A. & Yenawine, P. [co-founders] (2010). Visual Thinking Strategies. Retrieved February 28, 2010 from http://www.vtshome.org/
McLoughlin, C. & Krakowksi, K. (2001). Technical Tools for Visual Thinking: What does the research tell us? Retrieved February 8, 2010 from Week 5 folder at http://drexel.blackboard.com/webapps/portal/frameset
NuLink Charter School uses the power of visual thinking to help students to engage in learning. Based on carefully designed visuals, students participate in facilitated discussion to practice respectful collaborative problem solving skills, which transfer to other social and academic interactions. This nurtures verbal language skills and builds strong writing ability. This learning path generates growth in all students, from challenged and ESL learners to high achievers. Through visual thinking, students progress through stages of actualization, construction, classification, interpretation, and re-creation. Tools for visual thinking include PowerPoint, video viewing and production, Electronic Classroom, and Quick Time VR.
References:
Housen, A. & Yenawine, P. [co-founders] (2010). Visual Thinking Strategies. Retrieved February 28, 2010 from http://www.vtshome.org/
McLoughlin, C. & Krakowksi, K. (2001). Technical Tools for Visual Thinking: What does the research tell us? Retrieved February 8, 2010 from Week 5 folder at http://drexel.blackboard.com/webapps/portal/frameset