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Wednesday, April 13, 2016

SEEING AS UNDERSTANDING: The Importance of Visual Mathematics for our Brain and Learning

As Thomas West, author, states, there is a centuries-old belief that words and mathematical symbols are “for serious professionals – whereas pictures and diagrams” are “for the lay public and children” (2004). This idea is an example of a damaging myth in education, and this paper will present compelling brain evidence to help dispel the myth. We will also provide examples of ways that visual mathematics may be integrated into curriculum materials and teaching ideas across grades K-16. 

Read the recently published paper by Jo Boaler and Lang Chen Seeing as Understanding: The Importance of Visual Mathematics for our Brain and Learning. If it interests you, use the corresponding activities A Range of Visual Activities and Representations in your classroom.