Three experiments compared congenitally blind and sighted adults and children on paired-associate, free-recall, and imaging tasks presumed to involve visual imagery in memory. In all three, blind subjects' performances were remarkably similar to the sighted. Results challenge previous explanations of performance such as Paivio's (1971). (Author/RD)

This article explains two techniques for helping students develop long-term memory skills and retain information taught in class. One technique relies on mental pictures to keep track of a numbered series of items; the other depends on key words derived from the material that must be memorized. (PP)

Argues that imagery can play an important part in a variety of academic subjects. Provides instructions concerning the method by which imagery can be used in such diverse fields as the development of social skills, the identification of interests and career areas, and creative productivity. (FL)

In two studies, sixth graders (Study 1) and fourth graders (Study 2) listened to or read a text. Some students were asked to imagine pictures of the material. Oral presentation of the material produced better results than written-only forms. Fourth graders benefited more from mental imagery than did sixth graders. (Author/JJD)

Stresses the importance of visualization in mathematics education by reviewing research dealing with the relationship between mathematical and spatial ability, and recommends that such findings be incorporated into mathematics instruction. (JJD)

Five experiments investigated how completely and accurately adults remember the visual details of the common United States penny. Subjects had to draw a penny from unaided recall and select the correct representation of a penny. Performance was poor on all tasks. Implications for long-term memory models were discussed. (Author/RD)

Changes in the performance levels of 41 elementary school-aged girls on Euclidean geometric operations tasks were related to changes in forms of their drawings of two anticipated rotation movements. Operatory and imagery performance were measured in three sessions over a 3-year period. (JMB)

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)

Presents a ping-pong activity to teach the coordinate plane that puts students in a position to experience and relate to the coordinate plane in a manner that evokes their visual, spatial, and physical senses while linking the plane with a familiar object. (ASK)

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…

Describes how to use homemade tiles, sketches, and the box method to reach a broader group of students for successful algebra learning. Provides a list of concepts appropriate for such an approach. (KHR)

Summarizes findings from research related to spatial abilities. Provided are suggestions for developing spatial abilities. Lists nine references. (YP)

Two authors introduce the topic of visualization in mathematics education. Fourteen articles are briefly described. (YP)

Examines the relationship between visualization and the middle school mathematics curriculum. Gives an overview of where and how visualization interacts with the curriculum. Investigates the role of visualization in developing inductive/deductive and proportional reasoning. (YP)