An Interview with Laura Johnson from the University Of Toledo.
I really don’t like the way that she phrases and refers to some of the topics in this interview HOWEVER, I do think that some of the strategies and insight that she brings to the topic are not only interesting but VERY RELEVANT as a way to educate children. This is a beautiful example of a teacher that uses visual teaching cues to E-D-U-C-A-T-E a person.
Most importantly it shows that visual thinking is not just a way for “special education” kids to learn but rather a very relevant way of thinking that is present throughout society. Imagine how much different schools could look if “visual learners” and “visual thinking” were widely recognized as a valid way to learn instead of just a backup method for the “special kids” and “dumb jocks”.
Visual Teaching – Autism and Football?
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Steve
Laura Johnson here. I am very sorry if I offended you in any way–particualrly if I neglected to be as PC as I should have been.
I would truly like to know what phasing you did not care for–as I am sincerely interested in representing my experiences in a way that will benefit anyone who may find them relevant.
Thank you for your honest review.
Hi Steve,
Yes!
Imagine that…we are seeing incredible student engagement, learning and better teaching practices across the board from all the schools that use Visual Thinking Strategies (which is actually a program). Educational equity is a huge component of what we accomplish with this developmentally-based teaching strategy which goes beyond just being a “visual learner” to recognizing that people have incredible the strength to decode fine meaning, and make meaning from what they see. As Laura says, images and language combined are almost a “no-brainer.”
Look at our national website http://www.vtshome.org for some great research about exactly how “visual thinking” has been applied to all classrooms and across the curriculum.