Journal article
Lighten the Load: Scaffolding Visual Literacy in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
CBE life sciences education, Vol.16(1), p.es1
2017
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/105644
PMCID: PMC5332056
PMID: 28130273
Abstract
The development of scientific visual literacy has been identified as critical to the training of tomorrow's scientists and citizens alike. Within the context of the molecular life sciences in particular, visual representations frequently incorporate various components, such as discipline-specific graphical and diagrammatic features, varied levels of abstraction, and spatial arrangements of visual elements to convey information. Visual literacy is achieved when an individual understands the various ways in which a discipline uses these components to represent a particular way of knowing. Owing to the complex nature of visual representations, the activities through which visual literacy is developed have high cognitive load. Cognitive load can be reduced by first helping students to become fluent with the discrete components of visual representations before asking them to simultaneously integrate these components to extract the intended meaning of a representation. We present a taxonomy for characterizing one component of visual representations-the level of abstraction-as a first step in understanding the opportunities afforded students to develop fluency. Further, we demonstrate how our taxonomy can be used to analyze course assessments and spur discussions regarding the extent to which the development of visual literacy skills is supported by instruction within an undergraduate biochemistry curriculum.
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Details
- Title
- Lighten the Load: Scaffolding Visual Literacy in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Creators
- Erika G Offerdahl - Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108Jessie B Arneson - Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108Nicholas Byrne - Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155
- Publication Details
- CBE life sciences education, Vol.16(1), p.es1
- Publisher
- United States
- Identifiers
- 99900546875401842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article