Visible Learners highlights the role of learning through interpreting objects and artifacts, using the methods of group learning and documentation to make learning evident to teachers. Through a series of sample lessons, visual essays, and examples from other schools, the authors show how visible classrooms possess a focused foundation, and are committed to four key principles, that learning is: social, emotional, empowering, and representational. Interwoven throughout the book are “visual essays,” short narratives detailing classroom experiences that illustrate the principles and practices the authors propose via quotes, photos, student and teacher reflections, and examples of student work. These essays offer real-life examples to help teachers bridge the ideas in the book into their unique classroom environments. Visible Learners is very closely tied to the Reggio Emilia pedagogy and takes a social-constructivist approach, by way of learning through interpreting objects and artifacts.
In this excerpt, a group of seventh graders and two dedicated teachers take a journey of scientific exploration, learn writing skills, reasoning, and citizenship, all within their local area.
The Vernal Pool (excerpt from Visible Learners) by Jossey-Bass Education
Mara Krechevsky is a senior researcher at Project Zero at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Ben Mardell, Ph.D., is an associate professor at Lesley University and a former researcher at Project Zero.
Melissa Rivard is a senior researcher and visual media specialist at Project Zero.
Daniel Wilson, Ed.D., is a principal investigator and lecturer at Project Zero.
Visible Learners: Promoting Reggio-Inspired Approaches in All Schools (2013) — 9781118345696
