Visual representation has been shown to encourage constructive strategies. Inventing representations (including drawings) acts as preparation for future learning, because it can help students discern key features and challenges of new tasks. The growing interest in drawing reflects new understandings of science as a multimodal discursive practice, as well as mounting evidence for its value in supporting quality learning.
www.sciencemag.org SCIENCE VOL 333 26 AUGUST 2011
Supporting Online Material www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/333/6046/1096/DC1