ABOUT VISUAL LEARNING AND INDIAN EDUCATION:

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"Explanations of natural phenomena within a traditional Native American context are often at odds with Western scientific philosophy and what is taught in school science. Herein lies a very real conflict between two distinctly different worldviews: the mutualistic/holistic-oriented worldview of Native American cultures and the rationalistic/dualistic worldview of Western science that divides, analyzes, and objectifies.

General tendencies in Native learning styles include a predominantly nonverbal orientation; tendency toward visual, spatial, and kinesthetic modes of learning; heavy reliance on visual perception and memory; preference for movement and activity while learning; and preference for process learning that moves from concrete examples to abstractions. In the typical school environment, free movement is significantly restricted and indirect intellectual learning, which emphasizes verbal, mathematical, and logical orientations, is the norm. The disparity between home and school environments is so great that some Native American students experience a kind of culture shock that significantly affects their attitudes toward school.

Recognizing that a cultural difference in affective learning style exists between the home and school environment is an important step toward developing more creative and effective teaching strategies for Native learners. Teachers can foster a bicultural orientation to education by exploring students' home and cultural backgrounds, observing students in the school context, and exploring students' expressions of core values."

Source: The Native American Learner and Bicultural Science Education by Dr. Gregory A. Cajete. From: ERIC # ED427908
 

NOTES IN VISUAL LEARNING

A Visual Learner Learns Best By:

·         Taking notes and making lists to read later

·         Reading information to be learned

·         Learning from books, videotapes, filmstrips and printouts

·         Seeing a demonstration

THE VISUAL LEARNER WILL NEED TO SEE ALL STUDY MATERIAL.

1.      Practice visualizing (mental imagery) or picturing spelling words.

2.      Write out everything for frequent and quick visual review.

3.      Analyze words by tearing them apart and putting them back together (to-get-her- together).

4.      Use color coding when learning new concepts (x and y axis different color when graphing).

5.      Use enlarged paper for graphing, making it easier for the visual learner to plot lines.

6.      Use outlines of reading assignments which cover key points and guide your reading.

7.      Draw lines around the configuration of printed words and structural word elements.

8.      Use charts, maps, timelines, and filmstrips when learning new material.

9.      Use notes and flash cards for review of material, vocabulary, and terminology for a specific course.

10. Use a dictionary. All the visual cues are present: syllabication, definitions, configurations, affixes, etc.

11. Use graphic organizers and diagrams.

12. Use videos.

13. Utilize "mapping" techniques and draw pictures symbolizing information.

14. Highlight and underline key concepts.

15. Retype notes - use different fonts, bold print, and underline important concepts and facts.

VISUAL LEARNER STRATEGIES

 MATHEMATICS

Use visual cues such as flash cards and concrete items.

Use graph paper for organizing math problems.

Color code math problems.

READING/LITERATURE

When learning new vocabulary words, look up their meaning in the
dictionary and write down their definition on flash cards.

Sit close to the instructor for writing board demonstration, etc.

Use sight words, flash cards - then close your eyes and visualize what you have seen.

Use charts, graphs, and other visual cues.

WRITING/SPELLING

Use visual study methods rather than recitation of words.

Write each spelling word several times.

Trace words with colored marking pens.

Visualize words mentally and then reproduce them on paper.

SOCIAL SCIENCES

Learn new material with visual stimulation (videos, computers, etc.).

Use colored pens when taking notes - each color represents a degree of importance--blue notes are main themes, red notes are supporting details, green notes are specific details.

FACTS ABOUT THE VISUAL LEARNER

 Is A Natural At

Dressing well, putting clothes together easily

Remembering details and colors of what he/she sees

Reading, spelling and proof reading

Remembering faces of people he/she meets (forgets names); remembers names seen in print

Quietly taking in surroundings

Creating mental photos

Studying/Reading Characteristics

Reads for pleasure and relaxation; reads rapidly

Can spend long periods of time studying

Requires quiet during study

Learns to spell words in configurations rather than phonetically

Difficulties in School

Having to take action before either seeing or reading about what needs to be done

Working in an environment with noise or movement

Turning out sounds (not very easy responsive to music)

Listening to lectures without visual pictures or graphics to illustrate

Working in classrooms with drab colors

Working under fluorescent lights (makes it hard to concentrate)

RESOURCES IN VISUAL LEARNING

The Nalanda Institute
The Visual Learner by the Parent Center
Mind Tools, Learning Styles
Study, Guides, and Strategies
APDUK: Visual Spatial Learners Links
Reading Instructions: Visual And Auditory Learners
Visual Learners
Leadership Turn: The Visual Learner
Lingual Links: Tips for Visual Learners