opinion #2 from module 4.1

Running Head: REPLY TO SCHMITZ 1

REPLY TO SCHMITZ 2

Alice Benningfield 

1 posts

Re:Module 4 DQ 1

Many modern mathematics textbooks are designed with a flurry of color and graphics. This is in stark contrast to those that are designed in black-and-white and contain few graphics. Which of these formats is the optimal design for mathematics textbooks? Why?

The optimal design for any mathematics textbook is acquired by using color and graphics. There is a clear basis of associating color as well as graphics on the ability of human memory to store information (Berisha, Thaçi, Jashari, & Klinaku, 2013). Color in the textbook is used to create a modular presentation. The role of color in mathematics learning process is important because it arouses the cognitive interest of a learner, as well as creating modular learning. As such, it is clear that colors and graphics have very profound influence (Berisha et al., 2013). According to Berisha et al. (2013), color is believed to be one of the most important experiences of human cognitive system. Graphics may include pictures, charts, tables, illustrations, pie charts, tables, and graphs. Using colors and graphics, students can think about certain aspects more closely, pay better attention, and remember more. The effect of graphics and color is important; the more attention put on a specific stimulus, the higher the chance of the stimuli being transferred to the permanent memory. This gives a significant potential to increase chance learning stimuli for encoding, storage of information, and its successful retrieval (Berisha et al., 2013).

Berisha, V., Thaçi, X., Jashari, H., & Klinaku, S. (2013). Assessment of mathematics textbooks potential in terms of student’s motivation and comprehension. Journal of Education and Practice, 4(28). Retrieved from: http://www.iiste.org/Journals/index.php/JEP/article/viewFile/9923/10127