1. Visualization and Collaborative Learning in Math/Science Classrooms
Delwyn L. Harnisch
University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Ronald J. Shope
Grace University, Omaha
Presentation URL:

2. Issues in Math/Science Education
Students seldom asked to master the “big concepts”
Math methods remain virtually unchanged
Need for a learner-centered environment

3. Learner-Centered Environment
Focus on problem-solving
Focus on discovery learning

4. Instructional and Motivational Factors
Meaningful and
Relevant
Social Interactions
And
Personal Relationships
Challenges and
Standards
Student Centered
Learning
Environment
Critical Thinking and
Learning Skills
Adapt to Individual
Differences
Interests and
Creativity
Climate and
Context
Choice and
Control

5. Solution: Problem-Based Learning
Teachers become facilitators
Uses data and technology resources
Visual hands-on approach
Enhanced by visualization

6. Visualization
Uses technology to help students “visualize” math and science concepts
Complements PBL by
Relying on technology
Is interactive
Supports collaborative learning

7. Strategies for Creating Collaborative Learning
Math/Science teaching teams
Math/Science student cohorts

8. The Visualization Process
Science
Teacher
Students in Math Class
Visualization
and PBL
Math
Teacher
Students in Science Class
Shared Learning/
Experience

9. Math/Science Teaching Teams
One experienced teacher
One young teacher
One PBL Specialist
Math and science teaching credentials
Teachers visited each other’s classrooms
Team planned PBL activities

10. Math/Science Student Cohorts
Students selected to participate
Together for both math and science
Back to back instructional periods
Variety of interests and learning styles
Honor students
“General” learners

11. Math/Science Teacher Collaboration
Teachers learned from each other’s discipline
“I had the opportunity to see how the other side lives”
-Math/Science Teacher

12. Math/Science Teacher Collaboration
Teachers together were able to provide better help to students
Teachers “help each other”
answer student’s questions

13. Math/Science Teacher Collaboration
Platform to share experience across disciplines
During this time I had great discussions with my colleagues in the program, researched visualization, and worked on a lot of ideas and gathered information to use with these ideas. I think we will be able to apply many of these ideas.
-Math/Science Teacher

14. Math/Science Teacher Collaboration
Facilitates faculty mentoring
I began to think “More Visually”
I had a better idea what my students were learning.
-Math/Science Teachers

15. Math/Science Student Collaboration
Student math/science “support group”
Student mentoring by students
Sometimes you have the teacher explain it and some kids do not understand what they mean by it. So, they ask something else and they explain it in easier terms.
-Math/Science Student
Since we had the same kids in both of the classes, it let us know what are the kids' strong points and weak points.
-Math/Science Student

16. Development of Maturing Minds
New teaching methods learned
Curriculum development addressed
New technology implemented
New classroom environments structured

17. Visualization Project Website

18. Visualization and Collaborative Learning in Math/Science Classrooms
Delwyn L. Harnisch
University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Ronald J. Shope
Grace University, Omaha
Presentation URL: