4: Models & Modeling

Teaching math or science without words, and purely using a visual approach is something that can be used until a certain level. Certain aspects of math or science require the usage of words. Theorems in geometry, or definitions in science all require words. Yes they can be represented through a visual approach, but can the essential concept of it be translated to a visual aspect? Theory is important when it comes to higher level math, and it requires words and the ability to comprehend the words that are in front of you and relate them to what you know. If words are not used in math or science, how can we be sure that students will be able to enunciate their own mathematical or scientific knowledge. Can we assume that they will be able to communicate what they have learned from the visual approach in an appropriate and correct manner? The answer would depend on the students and on how they respond to the visual approach. This cannot completely take over the way math and science are taught. Learning requires a combination and manipulation of multiple different learning styles, one style will not benefit everyone. By combining them you are able to show students the various aspects of their learning, the visual, the auditory, the reader/writer, and the kinesthetic.

Indigenous Learning vs Western Learning