Demonstrates that a representation of a figure through object reconstruction is prerequisite to recognizing the object figure from a collection of figures, which in turn is prerequisite to representing the object figure using a pencil-and-paper reproduction. (RL)

Reports results of two studies using physics materials to determine the parameters of pictorial analogies in combination with expository text. Shows that pictorial analogies can improve learning significantly if they are designed properly and used together with the text. Concludes that the analogies should have high structural similarity between…

Argues for a mathematics education that interprets the word "theorem" in a sense that is wide enough to include the visual aspects of mathematical intuition and reasoning. Defines the term "visual theorems" and illustrates the concept using the Marigold of Theodorus. (Author/MDH)

A good spelling teacher teaches by "taste" rather than by "recipe": instead of strictly adhering to procedural outlines, good teachers alter their lessons according to students' needs. In addition, good teachers: (1) recognize the importance of visualization for spelling; (2) understand the two kinds of visualization--for…

Identifying the strengths of visual processing in high school mathematics is considered. The development of an instrument to assess mathematical processing is described. Then the kinds of visual imagery found in children in England and Natal are presented, along with difficulties and benefits experienced by visualizers. (MNS)

Tests a theoretical model of hemispheric brain activity which attempts to explain the relation between visual ability and verbal written compositions. Concludes that the model which indicates that synthesis is a right brain activity and that visualizing activity can assist synthesis is supported for right-handed students. (RS)

Outlining, making data tables, and sequencing events are commonly used for teaching specific topics in science but not as general learning tools. Discusses how the teaching and application of these visual representation techniques helps students realize their usefulness as learning tools and to learn more efficiently. (LZ)

Finds significant differences for males and females on the "Mental Rotation Test" within and across trials, but does not show a differential response to training and practice by females, as was hypothesized. (RL)

Explores the relationship between learners' actions, visualizations, and the means by which these are articulated. Describes a microworld called Mathsticks which is designed to help students construct mathematical meanings by forging links between the visual and symbolic representations they develop and their actions. Presents a case study of two…

The ability to remember visual stimuli over a short delay period is limited by the small capacity of visual working memory (VWM). Here the authors investigate the role of learning in enhancing VWM. Participants saw 2 spatial arrays separated by a 1-s interval. The 2 arrays were identical except for 1 location. Participants had to detect the…

Examined were the development of reading and reading-related abilities in 6 severely emotionally disturbed institutionalized boys 12- to 15-years-old who demonstrated unexpected rote reading abilities (4th- to 6th-grade levels) despite moderate to severe intellectual retardation. (CL)

A battery of tests requiring sequential responses, including WISC Digit Span, WISC Picture Arrangement, ITPA Digits, and ITPA Visual Motor Sequencing, was administered to 114 children. Fifty-seven children ranging in age from 6.6 to 13.7 years were clients referred to a reading clinic for diagnosis of reading difficulties; the other 57 were…

Describes the results of a survey of highly successful junior high and middle school students, which asked open-ended questions about their perceptions of spelling. Indicates that visualizing is the most common strategy for learning new words, followed by dictionary use and repeating words over and over. (SKC)

The purpose of this study was to determine: (1) how different types of dynamic visual facilitate the achievement of specific types of educational objectives; (2) whether the use of dynamic visualization influenced the amount of time needed by learners to process the information; and (3) whether there is an interaction between the amount of time…