EFFECTIVE TEACHING STRATEGIES WHEN INSTRUCTING VISUAL LEARNERS

1. Use visual aids, such as overhead projectors and visual imagery in lectures.

2. Use manipulative materials to allow hands-on experiences.

3. Use a sight approach to reading rather than phonics.

4. Use a visualization approach to spelling: show the word; have them close their eyes and visualize it; then have them spell the word backwards (this demonstrates visualization); then spell it forwards; then write it once.

5. Have them discover their own methods of problem solving (instead of teaching division step-by-step, give them a simple division problem, with a divisor, dividend and a quotient. Have them figure how to answer in their own way.  When they succeed, give them a harder problem with the solution already worked out and see if their system works).

6. Avoid rote memorization. Use more conceptual or inductive approaches.

7. Avoid drill and repetition. Instead, have them perform the hardest tasks in the unit.

8. Find out what they have already mastered before teaching them.

9. Give them advanced, abstract, complex material at a faster pace.

10. Allow them to accelerate in school.

11. Emphasize creativity, imagination, new insights, new approaches rather than acquisitions of knowledge. Creativity should be encouraged in all subject areas. 

12. Emphasize mastery of higher levels concepts rather than perfection of simpler concepts in competition with other students.

13. Group gifted visual-spatial learners together for instruction.

14. Engage students in independent studies or group projects which involve problem-finding as well as problem solving.

15. Allow them to construct, draw, or otherwise create visual representations of concepts.

16. Use computers so that the material is presented visually.

17. Have the students discuss the ethical, moral, and global implications of their learning and involve them in service-oriented projects.