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Math PK-2 > Strategies > Multiple Representations: Visual Representations

Multiple Representations: Visual Representations

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Overview

Visual representations help students understand what a number represents as well as recognize relationships between numbers. Using visuals, such as pictures, diagrams, and charts, allows for additional processing time and supports learners by breaking down skills such as Counting and Estimation into more manageable parts.

Use It in the Classroom

  • Using visual representations can lead to clearer delivery of content and greater retention of key concepts in Long-term Memory. Visuals also serve an important role in maintaining student Attention and are a touchpoint for students to refer back to on their own, as external memory aids and individual practice.

    • Design It into Your Product

    Videos are chosen as examples of strategies in action. These choices are not endorsements of the products or evidence of use of research to develop the feature.

    Watch how DragonBox Algebra 5+ uses visuals to teach algebraic concepts to learners as young as 5. By presenting algebraic Operations with visuals, learners understand fundamental algebraic relationships in game manner without text.

  • For a developer, creating visual representations that pair with media, such as text and audio, can make Symbolic Number and Operations more accessible to learners. Meaningful visuals support learners' recognition of essential information, and providing a visual cue enhances a learner's ability to accurately retrieve the content associated with the visual.
    • View References

    Resources

    Below are additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.
    Examples

    Creative Commons

    Resource to search for OER content, such as pictures, charts, diagrams, and maps

    Examples

    Visual Math Improves Math Performance

    Youcubed blog on the importance of visual mathematics

    Examples

    Visuals in Math

    Teacher's blog on incorporating visuals

    Research

    Learning through Visuals

    Researchers' explanation of the achievable outcomes from learning through visuals

    Research

    Multimedia Learning

    Subtopic that includes research on the use of multimedia and visuals in instruction on Digital Promise's Research Map

    Factors Supported by this Strategy

    Numeracy and Mathematics
    Arithmetic Fact Retrieval
    Cardinality
    Counting
    Estimation
    Language Skills
    Mathematical Flexibility
    Non-symbolic Number
    Operations
    Place Value
    Symbolic Number
    Cognition
    Attention
    Inhibition
    Long-term Memory
    Short-term Memory
    Spatial Skills
    Speed of Processing
    Working Memory
    Social and Emotional Learning
    Student Background
    Adverse Experiences
    Hearing
    Physical Fitness
    Safety
    Sleep
    Socioeconomic Status

    More Visual Learning Tools Strategies

    Dot Cards

    Dot cards build number sense and promote early math skills, particularly Spatial Skills and Non-symbolic Number knowledge.

    Multiple Representations: Graphic Organizer

    Visualizing how ideas fit together helps students construct meaning and strengthen recall.

    Videos

    Providing visuals to introduce, support, or review instruction activates more cognitive processes to support learning.

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