Lighten the Load: Scaffolding Visual Literacy in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
نویسندگان
چکیده
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.
منابع مشابه
Bridging the educational research-teaching practice gap: Foundations for assessing and developing biochemistry students' visual literacy.
External representations (ERs), such as diagrams, animations, and dynamic models are vital tools for communicating and constructing knowledge in biochemistry. To build a meaningful understanding of structure, function, and process, it is essential that students become visually literate by mastering key cognitive skills that are essential for interpreting and visualizing ERs. In this article, fi...
متن کاملAn expanded framework for biomolecular visualization in the classroom: Learning goals and competencies
A thorough understanding of the molecular biosciences requires the ability to visualize and manipulate molecules in order to interpret results or to generate hypotheses. While many instructors in biochemistry and molecular biology use visual representations, few indicate that they explicitly teach visual literacy. One reason is the need for a list of core content and competencies to guide a mor...
متن کاملGenetic diversity analysis of aquaculture strains of Acipenser stellatus (Pallas, 1771) using DNA markers
Acipenser stellatus (stellate sturgeon) represents a sturgeon species of great importance for the scientific community and fishermen that has been intensively captured for decades. Besides of overfishing and poaching, their reproduction sites have been destroyed and their natural habitats were affected by pollution. In consequence, wild populations of stellate sturgeon have decreased dramatical...
متن کاملGenetic diversity analysis of aquaculture strains of Acipenser stellatus (Pallas, 1771) using DNA markers
Acipenser stellatus (stellate sturgeon) that has been intensively captured for decades represents a sturgeon species of great importance for the scientific community and fishermen. Besides overfishing and poaching, their reproduction sites have been destroyed and their natural habitats were affected by pollution. In consequence, wild populations of stellate sturgeon have decreased dramatically ...
متن کامل