Inscriptions play a critical role in the creation and communication of scientific knowledge, yet are afforded little status in traditional science education research and practice. In the vast majority of science classrooms, K-12 and university alike, inscriptions are treated as transparent, unproblematic illustrations of the "content" rather than…

Discusses the roles of visual thinking, visual rehearsal, and introspection in educational technology, and suggests that instructional designers should externalize their internal representations and involve the internal and external representations of content specialists and learners in the instructional design. Fifteen references are listed. (MBR)

Discusses the merits of three familiar classroom tools: overheads, whiteboards, and television monitors. Notes that each of these different tools offers a different means by which to introduce ideas and information, illustrate connections, and organize information. Concludes that using resources is important in the light of cutbacks many teachers…

Synectics is an approach to creative thinking that depends on understanding together that which is apparently different. Its main tool is analogy or metaphor. The approach, which is often used by groups, can help students develop creative responses to problem solving, to retain new information, to assist in generating writing, and to explore…

Addresses the impact of algebraic calculators on mathematics education. Shows how teaching with technology can lead to more efficient teaching and learning, more student-centered learning, and increase teacher value. Recommends that technology is fully embraced in order to perform the mathematics, thus freeing time for students to concentrate on…

Presents a conservative approach to critical thinking instruction, which involves introducing a few tools, reinforcing them, and applying them to mastery of a specific course content. Uses the technique of visualization as an example, exploring ways of teaching students to use the technique and ways of assessing it. (MAB)

The 40 papers in this collection cover a wide variety of topics within the broad field of visual literacy. Three preliminary papers discuss visualization through film. The second section, which emphasizes visualization in a social context, contains 10 papers addressing cultural, political, social, and psychological issues, touching upon such…

It is proposed that visual literacy be defined as the ability to understand (read) and use (write) images and to think and learn in terms of images. This definition includes three basic principles: (1) visuals are a language and thus analogous to verbal language; (2) a visually literate person should be able to understand (read) images and use…

Defines multimedia didactics and notes instructional aids they offer. Highlights include interactivity within learning programs; the visualization and presentation of learning contents; the effectiveness in information programs; and the challenge of multimedia didactics for research and teaching. (AEF)

This issue on suggestive learning contains the following articles: (1) "A Time of Growth," by Kay U. Herr; (2) "Sophrology and Suggestology/Suggestopedia: The Same System with a Different Name?" by W. Jane Bancroft; (3) SALT-Quo Vades or Caveat Emptor," by O. L. Caskey; (4) "A Comparison of Suggestopaedia and…

In this concluding article of a six-part series on children's art, the author reviews the stages of children's development in relationship to the use of three-dimensional materials and suggests teaching methods which will help children to develop artistically. (Editor/SJL)

A systematic research program will study the cumulative effects of selected instructional variables on learning a spatial visualization task. The goal of the research is to identify instructional variables that will improve the performance of female students on the Aircraft Instrument Comprehension (AIC) test. The AIC program is intended to teach…

Spelling problems arise due to problems with form discrimination and inadequate visualization. A child's sequence of visual development involves learning motor control and coordination, with vision directing and monitoring the movements; learning visual comparison of size, shape, directionality, and solidity; developing visual memory or recall;…

Identifies problems resulting from the inability to spell correctly. Assesses current writing programs as inadequate for remedying spelling deficiencies. Recommends individualized instruction to meet learners' needs. Confirms the importance of visualization to spelling ability, examining the relationship between field dependence-independence and…

Upholds the importance and need for including visuo-spatial skill exercises in science lessons. Provides suggestions for improving students' visualization skills and reviews the approaches that have been successful with students who were poor in visual skills. (ML)