Visualize the Process: An Interactive Workshop on Using Visuals throughout Your Inquiry

Visual methods, or the visualizations used to design, evaluate, or share inquiry (Prosser, 2007; Shannon-Baker & Edwards, 2018), can help us communicate ideas that are difficult to put into words, process ideas and experiences, and promote deeper psychological and emotional development (Haaken & O’Neill, 2014; Prosser & Loxley, 2008; Shannon-Baker, 2016; Weber, 2008). However, we are often not trained in visual practices and strategies. The purpose of this interactive workshop is to demonstrate how visual methods can be incorporated throughout the inquiry process. After completing this workshop, audience members will be able to: Describe the benefits and challenges to using visual methods during the inquiry process, Identify audience(s) for inquiry process visuals, Identify opportunities to incorporate visuals throughout the inquiry process, and Practice using some visual strategies. Example visuals we will discuss include visual journals, research diagrams, concept maps, data matrices, and observational sketches. I will share examples from my work and other published examples. Audience members will get prompts to help guide their use of these visuals after the workshop. I will also discuss some FCQs (Frequent Concerns and Questions) about using visual methods such as “But I’m not artistic!” I will lead the audience in practicing 2-3 of the visuals we discuss. With each one, I’ll provide general instructions and a handout if applicable (electronic or paper, pending the format for the CSSC). If conducted in-person, I will bring art supplies; audience members are encouraged to bring their own materials if presented online. Visual methods, or the visualizations used to design, evaluate, or share inquiry (Prosser, 2007; Shannon-Baker & Edwards, 2018), can help us communicate ideas that are difficult to put into words, process ideas and experiences, and promote deeper psychological and emotional development (Haaken & O’Neill, 2014; Prosser & Loxley, 2008; Shannon-Baker, 2016; Weber, 2008). However, we are often not trained in visual practices and strategies. The purpose of this interactive workshop is to demonstrate how visual methods can be incorporated throughout the inquiry process. After completing this workshop, audience members will be able to: Describe the benefits and challenges to using visual methods during the inquiry process, Identify audience(s) for inquiry process visuals, Identify opportunities to incorporate visuals throughout the inquiry process, and Practice using some visual strategies. Example visuals we will discuss include visual journals, research diagrams, concept maps, data matrices, and observational sketches. I will share examples from my work and other published examples. Audience members will get prompts to help guide their use of these visuals after the workshop. I will also discuss some FCQs (Frequent Concerns and Questions) about using visual methods such as “But I’m not artistic!” I will lead the audience in practicing 2-3 of the visuals we discuss. With each one, I’ll provide general instructions and a handout if applicable (electronic or paper, pending the format for the CSSC). If conducted in-person, I will bring art supplies; audience members are encouraged to bring their own materials if presented online