We propose a methodology for studying the processes of learning and teaching mathematics. We will argue that this methodology carries many of the advantages of qualitative approaches while still keeping the main advantage of quantitative research methodology, which is the potential to produce findings that could be generalized. At the heart of…

Computer-mediated communication (CMC) is used in different contexts and uses different tools, such as those of computer conferencing, e-mail, and groupware. This article introduces the use of Formal Concept Analysis (FCA) as a methodology to visualize the data in CMC. FCA, which is based on a mathematical lattice theory, offers visual maps…

This digest explains the concept of visual literacy in science and provides a guide to resources for further study. The case is made that the capacities to both understand and generate technical pictures are fundamental to scientific and technological literacy for students at many levels, from early elementary school to the university level.…

Clarifies some of the conditions under which verbal processes facilitate or inhibit learning of visual stimuli. (Author/AJ)

One hundred undergraduates learned lists of high- or low-imagery nouns in one column (ungrouped) or in three columns (grouped). Grouped-list recall was significantly greater than ungrouped on the third and fourth trials. Spatial grouping seems to provide important cues which are independent of the words learned or imagery level. (Author/CM)

Explains how insights on the nature of consciousness can be applied to the teaching of English. (JL)

When adult versions of tests of spatial ability were modified and administered to 94 boys and 99 girls in Norway, results indicated that spatial ability is a more unified trait in boys than in girls, in whom spatial abilities are more heterogeneously organized. (SLD)

Describes a calculator exercise that can help students develop a better visual and numeric feel for Newton's method. (KHR)

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…

Advocates using graphs with young children to express relationships in a visual form. Describes how to teach children about graphs to encourage them to develop the ability to quantify data and the confidence to use this tool for science learning. (NB)

Examines the knowledge structure of the field of space communications using bibliometric mapping techniques based on textual analysis. Presents a new approach with the aim of visualizing simultaneously the configuration of the scientific and technological knowledge bases at a worldwide level, and discusses results that show different…

Presents the application of a knowledge visualization tool, VxInsight[R], to enable domain analysis for science and technology management. Uses data mining from sources of bibliographic information to define subsets of relevant information and discusses citation mapping, text mapping, and journal mapping. (Author/LRW)

Presents activities in a context that promotes connections between students' experiences and new content and provides visual and/or physical links between informal knowledge and formal math ideas. (YDS)

Discusses the concept of three-dimensional perspective. Presents some assessment tasks to help develop perspective and describes student responses. (Author/NB)