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 diagrams do not make a statistically significant difference in student learning. The study sample consisted of 189 eighth-grade students of various ability levels. (RM)

Discusses the use of semantic mapping in social studies as a means of conceptually organizing written material. Points out that this process is useful because it gives students an overview of the content prior to reading materials and provides an opportunity for students to develop visual images. Offers four examples. (KO)

Focuses on how visual images can help students integrate concepts and synthesize information to make a judgment, thereby guiding the learner toward higher order thinking. Uses geography to demonstrate how, by incorporating visual exercises, student perceptions of difficult concepts are enhanced. (CMK)

Offers nine suggestions for video tape production and instructional use in a student laboratory for a cartography course. Briefly discusses costs and benefits, including more time for instructors to focus on specific techniques and individual questions. (TRS)

Traces the changes in the visuals used in U.S. history textbooks since the 1900s, concentrating on contemporary texts. Provides questions educators can use in assessing the educational value of textbook visuals. Critiques current textbook visuals, and suggests ways that they enhance understanding of educational information. (RW)

Presents a simple, yet effective method for drawing a world map that helps younger students remember the continents, oceans, and major seas. The only materials required are a ruler, paper, and a world map (a transparency would work best). Includes suggestions for related activities and ways to improve map skills. (MJP)

To help preservice and inservice social studies teachers develop systematic ways of integrating skills and content, this manual offers a model and simple instructional exercises for the diagnostic teaching of how to investigate a cartoon. Designed mainly for use with children in grades 4-6, the material is adaptable for use at other grade levels.…