Section Overview

Visualization is the process of deconstructing images by identifying symbols and correctly interpreting the meaning in those symbols. Examples of contemporary symbols include the dollar sign, the peace sign, an American flag, etc. Many symbols or a symbolic scene can also be depicted to convey an idea. The key is in using the symbols to express ideas or meaning.

Related Course Readings

Mason, Kathy (1991). Going Beyond Words. Tucson, AZ: Zephyr Press.

McKim, R. H. (1972). Experiences in Visual Thinking. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing Co. (Chaps 4 and 9).

McKim, R. H. (1980). Thinking Visually, a Strategy Manual for Problem Solving. Palo Alto, CA: Dale Seymour Publications.

Eysenck, Michael and Keane, Mark (1990). Cognitive Psychology: a Student's Handbook. London, Erlbaum Assoc.

Learning Activities

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Key Links

Project Zero
Harvard's Project Zero's "mission is to understand and enhance learning, thinking, and creativity in  the arts, as well as humanistic and scientific disciplines, at the individual and institutional  levels."  Research projects include an investigation of the educational impact and potential of the Museum of Modern Art's Visual Thinking Curriculum, and Art Works for Schools, a collaborative project with arts organizations and schools that focuses on teaching high-level thinking in and through the arts.

A Visual Literacy Exercise
This site was originally created for three Japanese history classes using woodcuts to study history and geography.  However the visual exercise provides good practice for developing observation skills.

Discuss the Topic

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Student Links

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