Distinguished Faculty Lecture 2019-2020

Debbie Muthersbaugh, Ph.D
Professor of Education

Seeing is Knowing: Exploring the Impact of Visual Representations in Teaching and Learning

Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019 at 7 p.m. | Melvin K. West Fine Arts Center Auditorium

Building confidence in one’s ability to learn by adding key visual elements to the learning experience are essential for both students and teachers. Pictures and drawings have been used in various teaching practices over time. Most of us utilize visual cues to support what we think or know. Based on concepts from Visual Information Theory (Tufte, 1983, 1996, 1999, 2006) and this presenter’s original research using drawings and pictures, it also seems clear that art and other forms of representation go hand-in-hand in classroom learning. But how can we better understand the value of visual aspects for learning? Images themselves contain knowledge and are useful in understanding content. Using images for integrating learning content provides for meaningful mediated experiences by establishing connections. Mediating experiences through integration also affects students’ self-efficacy by encouraging positive attitudes towards learning. Analyzing the findings in a series of studies led the researcher to ask, what are the connections between art, science, math, and other subjects? Furthermore, how can being intentional when choosing and using images for teaching and learning assist students in creating a more positive attitude toward their own learning?