The Visual Teaching Alliance

[Timothy Gangwer]

The "Visual Teaching Alliance" is a Texas-based State Approved CPE Provider. Five research-based

workshops, all Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented Approved for the 6-Hour Annual G/T Update,

are presented nationally by Timothy Gangwer, Founder of the "Visual Teaching Alliance" and author of "Visual

Impact, Visual Teaching: Using Images to Strengthen Learning." He has trained teachers and administrators since

1986. For further information and presenter bio, please visit our Web site: www.VisualTeachingAlliance.com.

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WORKSHOP LEVEL I: "Visual Teaching Tools for the Classroom: Encouraging Attitudes of Excellence & Leadership" (scroll

down for description)

- AND/OR -

WORKSHOP LEVEL II: "Critical/Creative Thinking Skills & the Six Methods of Visual Learning: Pedagogy and Imagery" (scroll

down for description)

- AND/OR -

WORKSHOP LEVEL III: "Whole Brain Visual Thinking: Building a New Level of Cognition" - (scroll down for description)

- AND/OR -

WORKSHOP LEVEL IV: "Twice Exceptional: Brilliant Chaos - The Competition of Strengths vs. Weaknesses" (scroll down for

description)

- AND/OR -

WORKSHOP LEVEL V: "In Search of the 21st Century Classroom: The Visual Quest" (scroll down for description)

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LEVEL I WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION: It is hard to argue with the observation that the generation of students now moving into and

through our educational system is by far the most visually stimulated generation that system has ever had to teach. In fact, research

shows that 65% of our students are visual learners. This “hands-on” research-based workshop is designed to provide practical,

effective strategies that optimize the teaching and learning process, while complementing existing programs and curricula. Workshop

participants will learn teaching strategies and techniques to increase student achievement in the following areas:

Brain Compatible Strategies: Brain-Based learning is a dynamic, interdisciplinary, systemwide approach based on the way current

research in neuroscience suggests our brain naturally learns best.

- Multiple Intelligences

- Lateral Thinking Skills

- Utilizing the Visual Cortex for Retention

- Using Color and Music as Teaching Tools

- Differentiated Curriculum/Relevance to CSCOPE Curriculum System

Methods of Visual Learning

- Encoding and Decoding Visual Representation for TAKS

- Identifying Visual Internal/External Learners

- Constructing Visual Thinking Maps

- Creating Watergraphs™ (photographic watercolor renderings)

- Moving ELL Students From Visual Communication to Language Acquisition

Visual Teaching Strategies

- Full Spectrum Visual Literacy

- Active and Performance-based Learning

- Dynamic Translation

- Multidisciplinary Approach

- Technology-based Instruction

Related Topics

- Life Skills

- Student-based Portfolios

- Character Education

- Cooperative Learning

 

LEVEL II WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION: Did you know that the brain processes visual information 60,000 times faster than text? Did

you know that visual teaching can improve classroom learning up to 400 percent? This “hands-on” research-based workshop is

designed to provide practical, effective strategies that optimize the teaching and learning process, while complementing existing

programs and curricula. Workshop participants will learn teaching strategies and techniques to increase student achievement in the

following areas:

Content – Activities are practical, easy-to-implement applications that include:

- The Six Methods of Visual Learning

- Media Literacy: changing the world one student at a time

- Critical/Creative Thinking Skills

- Gardner's Multiple Intelligences

- Differentiated Curriculum/Relevance to CSCOPE Curriculum System

- Visual Ranking: prioritizing, analyzing, evaluating, collaborating and discussion

- Seeing Reason: analyzing cause-and-effect relationships through image mapping and visual links

- Viewing Evidence: hypothesizing and supporting evidence, debating differences, reaching conclusions

Life Skills & Character Education

- Kohlberg's Six Stages of Moral Development

- deBono's Six Thinking Hats

- Meeting the Social and Emotional Needs of Gifted Students

- Decision making skills: avoiding "paralysis by analysis"

- Drug awareness and refusal skills

- Thinking critically about problems and opportunities

- Overcoming achievement barriers due to culture, gender bias or negative self-image

 

LEVEL III WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:

- Who is the Visual Teacher?: The three-prong definition.

- Socratic Teaching: Are you a critical thinking teacher who teaches critical thinking skills?

- Inquiry-Based Instruction & Technology: Ask - Investigate - Create - Discuss - Reflect.

- Parallel Curriculum Model: Interrelated approaches to course content.

- Kaplan Layered Model for Differentiating Curriculum - Differentiated Curriculum/Relevance to CSCOPE Curriculum System: A

visual approach to altering the content, process and products of the curriculum.

- Depth and Complexity Thinking Processes: Abstract teaching strategies & methods of extending knowledge.

- Schoolwide Enrichment Model: Unique programs based on local resources, student demographics & school dynamics.

- Mind Maps, Graphic Organizers & Glyphs: Molding a visual language into learning skills.

- Basic Visual Elements

- The Visual Vocabulary of Photography

- Whole Brain Thinking: Perceptual reasoning and lateral thinking skills.

- Visual Representation: Preparing for TAKS.

- Playing Chess: Inductive/deductive reasoning and accountability.

- The Dyslexic Student: Who is (s)he and how do we bring out the best in her/him.

- Using the Internet in the Classroom: Shrinking the digital divide one student @ a time.

- Reading Visual Thoughts: How to enhance visual intuition.

LEVEL IV WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION: According to the Gifted Development Center, psychological and/or learning disabilities could

affect one of every six gifted children. Many are overlooked for special programming because of their strengths and abilities to

compensate for their difficulties. Workshop participants will receive hands-on training in the following areas:

- Who is the Visual Teacher?: The three-prong definition.

- Twice Exceptional Defined: Current research - Strengths & challenges - Gifted/Special Educator collaboration strategies.

- Gifted Combinations: Autism - Asperger's Syndrome - ADHD - Dysgraphia - Dyspraxia - Tourette's Syndrome - Dyslexia -

Irlen Syndrome: Definitions, characteristics, suggestions for teachers & classroom simulation activities.

- Profiles of the Gifted: "Honor" students vs. "gifted" students.

- Differentiated Curriculum/Relevance to CSCOPE Curriculum System

- Emotional Intelligence: Identification, perceptions & expressions, with classroom activities.

- Visual Literacy: The 5 Strategic Levels for building visual literacy - Old methods vs. new learners - 21st century skills.

- Visual Culture: Visual culture vs. aural culture - Classroom activities.

- Visual Representation: Preparing for TAKS.

- 15 Steps to Cultivate Lifelong Learning: What are they & how do they impact our lives?

LEVEL V WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION: This “hands-on” research-based workshop is designed to provide practical, effective

strategies that optimize the teaching and learning process, while complementing existing programs and curricula. The

framework is designed to bring 21st century skills to 21st century learners. The workshop transforms the technological

comfort zone of our students into educational tools and strategies. The goal is to meet the paradigm shift head-on and teach

the way students learn best.

Content - Activities are practical, easy-to-implement applications that complement the four strands of the G/T Curriculum

Framework "Scholars & Knowledge", including:

- Differentiated Curriculum/Relevance to CSCOPE

- Using Skype (Video-conferencing) in the Classroom

- Cell Phones in the Classroom: From Toy to Tool

- Cyberbullying: Definition & Prevention

- iPods/iPads in the Classroom: Teacher - Student Connection

- 21st Century Digital Bloom's Taxonomy

- Virtual Reality & Video Games in the Classroom: Myths & Benefits

- Electronic Portfolios: Professional & Student-Based

- Digital Storytelling: Hardware/Software & Resources

- Visual Journaling

- Authentic vs. Traditional Assessment

- Independent Investigation Model: 7 Stages of Research

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TESTIMONIALS: "Gangwer's principles of various levels of visual learning are the best we have seen and he takes us on a tour

of many disciplines demonstrating with brief teaching ideas how to incorporate visuals into learning. He is sensitive to the opportunity

that kids and teens have now to create visuals of their own in addition to those we use to stimulate thinking." Dr. David V. Loerstscher,

San Jose State University

- “Mr. Gangwer presented an excellent visual imagery workshop (as required in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills), for utilizing available technology to improve visual literacy. He was highly knowledgeable and his presentation style encouraged teachers to actively participate and to experiment with the media. I highly recommend the Visual Teaching Alliance for your next staff development program.” Kay Savay, Richardson I.S.D. Instruction Services

- “As a therapist and a teacher, I appreciate the fact that you recognize and bring to the child’s attention the expanded meanings of their efforts, activities and work. You focused on empowering the child and his/her esteem and sense of self. It’s refreshing to see focus on the process rather than on the product which fosters internal locus of control, as opposed to children learning to rely on external praise, thus seeing themselves only as a reflection of the values and judgments of others.” Krista Ketcham, M.Ed, Region 10 Education Service Center Workshop, Dallas, TX

- “A variety of techniques were used in the presentation and the setting was very informal and relaxed with a welcomed slant of humor throughout the session. An overwhelming majority responded that the ‘hands-on’ materials were extremely helpful and that the presentation was simply excellent!” Gwendolyn A. Hardison, Supervisor Natchitoches Parish Media Center

- “Our teachers are still raving about you and your outstanding presentation. You were superb---what more can I say!” Carole C. Wills, Associate Principal, The Briarwood School, Houston, TX

- "The presentation was excellent! Both the workshop experience and information have already been incorporated into our program curriculum.” Brenda L. Edmund, Professional Laboratory Experiences Southern University

- “Mr. Gangwer is a skilled presenter – his timing and jokes are as good as his content. I look forward to integrating visual literacy into my curriculum and joining the Visual Teaching Network!” Susan J. Peebles, Collegiate High School, Corpus Christi, TX

- "Your workshop provided the teachers with new tools and ideas, which is always motivational at the start of another year. Of particular value was the emphasis your presentation placed on the importance of a child’s sense of self and how to assist the child in building and maintaining self-esteem through learning." Frederick Bowyer, Principal, Condit Elementary School, Houston, TX

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Visual Teaching Alliance

P.O. Box 2374

Round Rock, TX 78680

512.567.7291

[e-mail]

www.VisualTeachingAlliance.com

www.VisualTeaching.ning.com