In this era of rapid development in multimedia and technology, there is a growing awareness of the use of multiple semiotic resources in meaning-making (Fei, 2004). Music videos specifically harbor meaning within their semiotic features of visual communication. They also exert an enormous influence on the popularity of music (Fei, 2004). Music…

What does it look like to "understand" operations with fractions? The Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSM) uses the term "understand" when describing expectations for students' knowledge related to each of the fraction operations within grades 4 through 6 (CCSSI 2010). Furthermore, CCSSM elaborates that…

As anyone who has taught or taken a statistics course knows, statistical calculations can be tedious and error-prone, with the details of a calculation sometimes distracting students from understanding the larger concepts. Traditional statistics courses typically use scientific calculators, which can relieve some of the tedium and errors but…

When students come to class, they bring with them the most powerful processor known to man--the human brain! Our job as teachers is to discover and implement practices that will make the most effective use of those brains. The human brain is a very powerful processor of sensory information, especially with regard to the sense of vision. We can…

Early encounters with environmental print, words, and other graphic symbols found in children's surroundings are among their first concrete exposures to written language. These experiences: (1) provide an introduction to making meaning of abstract symbols; and (2) offer children their first opportunity to make sense of the world through print. As…

Posters, slide shows, videos, diagrams, charts, written or illustrated class notes, daily logs, to do lists, and written instructions are all helpful modes of teaching for visual learners. Another form of instruction that is helpful for visual learners is the graphic organizers. Sometimes called "mind maps", graphic organizers are illustrative…

Mathematics concepts are most often taught using auditory, sequential instructional methods. Not only are these methods ineffective when used with visual-spatial learners, they may be detrimental to both academic and emotional progress. Ways in which visual-spatial learners process information are explained. One child's story is presented,…

Teachers can spark interest in a science topic by using "science tickets"--special objects offered to children as a way to transition to the science room or into a small group to do a science activity. Objects ranging from ordinary (shells, leaves, or sticks) to unusual (photos, crystals, or plastic worms) appeal to young children's curiosity and…

One way that people learn, remember and communicate is visually. We combine past experiences with new visual information to construct meaning. In this study, elementary teachers introduced their students to the peoples and places of the ancient silk routes using illustrations from two children's picture books, "Marco Polo," written by…

Visual representation and viewing are integral parts of language arts, communication, and physical education. Time constraints often limit a self-contained classroom teacher, or even the language arts teacher's ability to adequately address all areas of language arts. Therefore, it is important to include language arts in other content areas.…

In the United States, the likelihood that an art teacher may teach a child with autism in an inclusive classroom is high, since one out of every 166 children in the country is diagnosed with autism. Federal law mandates that every child has the right to a free and appropriate education. Some children with autism have exceptional artistic abilities…

Advocates the use of the whole language method in writing instruction to emphasize communication rather than mechanical correctness in writing. Discusses the following whole language techniques: having children see themselves as authors, using predictable books, encouraging inventive spelling, and using and displaying student work. (DMM)

This book provides a guide to visual instruction and assessment using the Unit Visual Framework (UVF). Combining pictures, color, and text for meaningful representation of the core concepts in a unit of study, UVFs result in a deepened understanding by all students, regardless of language level. The manual includes specific steps and suggestions…

Because deaf students learn most efficiently through visual channels, the use of graphic organizers can be an effective way for students to learn, organize, and remember information. Guidelines are given for organizing information visually and using organizers as teaching tools with this population. (DB)

Research with gifted children has identified certain clusters of traits which are directly related to a visual/spatial orientation in learning. This article presents common traits of visual/spatial learners, including introversion and behavior problems, and offers adaptive techniques that have been found effective in teaching "nonsequential"…