Making sense of what studetns see in a diagram

This chapter from the book 'Visual Literacy' explores the differences between analytic and synthetic diagrams and the questions students need to be asked as they use diagrams for informatio... See More

This chapter from the book 'Visual Literacy' explores the differences between analytic and synthetic diagrams and the questions students need to be asked as they use diagrams for information. Authors note that the ease with which teachers today can generate computer based images points to the need for students to be able to 'read' these images when paired with words. Good read and worth the time to explore this chapter on interpreting diagrams.

Pictures worth more than just words

It would seem that most diagrams are self-explanatory, but developing a picture that portrays a phenomenon can be a bit more complicated. We need to anticipate how students will assess the d... See More

It would seem that most diagrams are self-explanatory, but developing a picture that portrays a phenomenon can be a bit more complicated. We need to anticipate how students will assess the diagram. Our students, especially ESL students, may use diagrams to show their understanding. The diagram should elicit an inner conversation, and allow student to interpret and scaffold information for understanding. Several classes of diagrams are discussed and compared.