You make many interesting suggestions for future research in your paper. How have you continued your research into the use of drawing as a learning tool?
Jennifer: Actually, my recent research has been in textbook graphics. While writing my dissertation, I became very interested in the history of drawing as a classroom activity. Teachers used to ask students to draw specimens and copy figures from their textbooks. As I looked at those old textbook figures, I became interested in the changes that have taken place over the last 100 years. I recently submitted a paper on the Cell Anatomy graphic. From my research, there have been surprisingly few graphics; most are copied from other textbooks.
Like the “looking behaviors” of the student participants, it’s fascinating to see designers drawing the idea of a cell rather than just looking at an actual cell. I also have to wonder if these graphics create misconceptions for students because there are a number of inaccuracies.
I do expect that my current research and drawing as a learning tool will recombine in the future.
Do you have a question about textbook images?
Ask Jennifer!
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