This essay focuses on the process of learning, discussing television viewing and written language in terms of discursive (words) and nondiscursive (art forms) symbolism. Libraries' use of these symbolic forms is also discussed. (EJS)

This article presents a brief overview of the literature pertaining to the use of objects of reference by people with deaf-blindness. It suggests that the establishment of nonsymbolic object use in appropriate routines may facilitate the acquisition of the symbolic use of objects. (MDM)

Discusses the findings of a recent study concerning the ability of an infant to see an object as a symbol. Reports that infants between 36 and 39 months old significantly outperformed informed infants between 30 and 32 months old on a symbolic task. (TW)

Reports on a study in which the symbolic relation between a scale model and the larger space that it represents was displayed by two groups of young children. Three-year-old children outperformed 2.5-year-olds in finding an object in a room after seeing an analogous object hidden in a model. (TW)

Describes two studies in which young children were shown pictures that represented sound with postures and contexts, with conventions, and with combinations of information. Shows that the different types of pictorial representation of sound were not equivalent in their ability to evoke a correct interpretation. (HOD)

Argues that art education is basic to school learning because it develops three levels of visual communication skills: the use of visual symbols to communicate at a very general level; to communicate accurately and specifically; and to communicate uniquely and expressively. (Author/SJL)

Examines the influence of gender, reading level of student, and source of data on science concept formation and retention. Results indicate that reading level of students does influence science concept formation and retention, but gender and source of data (method of instruction) do not. (MA)

This article urges teachers to guide gifted students in constructing meaning through creating and viewing non-print texts. It discusses how visual images can be used to capture symbols of leadership, record and celebrate leadership in action, interpret the attributes of leadership in new ways, and recognize leaders in the community. (Contains one…

Most children who are congenitally deafblind are severely delayed in their communication development and many will not achieve symbolic understanding and expression. This article discusses developmental markers cited in the research literature as predictive of or facilitative of the development of symbolism. These markers include the growth toward…

When learners explore dynamic and interactive visualisations they are often not able to interact with them in a systematic and goal-oriented way. Frequently, even supporting learners in processes of discovery learning does not lead to better learning outcomes. This can be due to missing pre-requisite knowledge such as the coherent mental…

Explores how auditory, visual, kinesthetic, and symbolic/abstract learning modalities can be applied to interpretive presentations to capture an entire audience. In addition to addressing diverse learning styles, the article discusses presentation outlines, making the concept personal, combining song, music, and drama, and using action rather than…

Discusses several philosophies of linguistics and semiotics that debate the importance of words and their relationship to signs, language as the primary modeling system, and the historical primacy of verbal versus visual communication. Describes human communication as both language-based and nonverbal, both aspects inviting arbitrary and abstract…

Hypothesizes that exploring the mathematical ideas behind mathematical terms enables children to gain insight into the structure of a number system and provides a basis for powerful playing with this structure. Describes visualizing mathematical ideas for exploring aspects of mathematics. Offers rectangular numbers to link and explore structures…

As children begin to grasp the basic functions of literacy, they become engaged in meaning-making that alternates between and/or combines oral language, written and printed symbols, drawings, and other formats. This article examines the benefits to children of an integrated approach to literacy, highlighting the Reggio Emilia approach, and offers…

Notes that almost all computer engineering textbooks present algorithms using only verbal methods. Poses that engineering students' ability to handle graphic representation is crucial yet information is presented verbally. Summarizes the results of 12 replications on learner preference for graphic or verbal algorithmic techniques. (MVL)