Creating Visual Representations
Overview
When learners process and express information visually, they are activating more cognitive processes while Problem Solving. Creating visible representations of knowledge helps learners fully immerse themselves in content knowledge creatively to gain new insights while deepening their understanding. Creating visual representations of data in the form of graphs and charts can also support everyday and scientific Numeracy skills. Learners are able to exhibit what they know in ways that respect their out-of-school literacies and make connections to their existing knowledge, increasing Motivation and retention of information in Long-term Memory.
Use It In Your Learning Environment
Supporting adults in making their thinking visible and clarifying that the intention is not to test their drawing skills but to add an element of playfulness helps them become comfortable with it. Visual forms can be integrated in learning either through activities that involve observational drawing or conceptual drawing and diagramming, or through collaborative forms of image-making like collages. Using structured activities such as making sketchnotes, concept maps, or story maps can also be a way to check the learners' understanding serving as formative assessment. Visual notetaking, or sketchnoting, is a process that allows learners to represent their ideas non-linguistically which supports English language learners and adult learners from varied cultural backgrounds.
Product developers can create platforms with digital tools to allow learners to create original visual representations of content through a variety of media, which can also help boost their Digital Literacy. This can include having students create online pictorial storyboards, comic strips, and other visual-based media. This supports student Attention and allows learners to explore their creative thinking and bring their ideas to life, while also supporting Disciplinary Literacy.
Additional Resources
Additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.
Factors Supported by this Strategy
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When preparing for and executing a debate, learners analyze, form, and express verbal arguments, fostering their critical thinking skills, an essential component of Problem Solving.
Debriefing is the intentional discussion immediately following a learning experience which is especially important after simulation-based learning.
Analyzing errors is especially beneficial in helping learners develop a Learner Mindset and critical thinking skills, which are a component of Problem Solving.
Networking and supporting adult learners in expanding their social networks provide access to additional resources and Social Supports, which can impact their trajectory and Motivation.
Experiential learning is learning by doing, which may include self-directed learning activities.
Giving learners the opportunity to explain their thinking process aloud helps them to solidify their comprehension, and move knowledge into their Long-term Memory.
Game-based learning is an active learning experience with clear objectives and measurable outcomes designed to be intrinsically game-like.
Inquiry-based learning is centered around open-ended questions posed by instructors and/or the learners themselves and fosters a Learner Mindset.
For adults, the Composition process can become more robust when learners can express ideas through multiple media, which includes visual, audio, and digital production.
Effective note-taking during lectures or reading directs learners' Attention to the relevant information, helping them identify key concepts, understand links between ideas and retain information better in their Long-term Memory.
The opportunity to observe peers or experts in action or participate in shadowing can provide a unique and authentic learning experience that often involves questioning, metacognitive thinking, and Problem Solving while providing Social Supports.
When learners provide constructive feedback on each other's work, they reflect on their own understanding, learn to give relevant suggestions, receive specific ways to improve, and engage in Metacognition.
Problem-based learning (PBL) is a learner-centered multidisciplinary approach focused on real world applications using active learning methods.
Simulations and immersive virtual environments provide authentic learning at a level that can spark curiosity and deeper understanding by engaging multiple senses in exploration.
Skills sprints are focused, real world learning experiences for teams in which participants learn new skills while directly designing, developing, or delivering something to their organization.
Analyzing short video clips, replays of important aspects, and videos of oneself applying what has been learned can improve Metacognition and Long-term Memory while fostering a Learner Mindset.
Analyzing and discussing solutions to problems helps students develop a deeper understanding of Problem Solving processes and Numeracy skills.
