Visualization Deﬁnation: Visualization or visualisation (see spelling differences) is any technique for creating images, diagrams, or animations to communicate a message. Visualization through visual imagery has been an effective way to communicate both abstract and concrete ideas since the dawn of humanity.

I have been able to identify three purposes for visualising: • to step into a problem,

• to model,

• to plan ahead.

The ﬁrst of these purposes relates closely to the idea of 'getting started'. The second and third purposes go beyond this and suggest that visualising occurs in the depth of problem solving, not just at the beginning.

Data is the primary force behind this shift. Decision making increasingly relies on data, which comes at us with such overwhelming velocity, and in such volume, that we can’t comprehend it without some layer of abstraction, such as a visual one.  Data is the primary force behind this shift. Decision making increasingly relies on data, which comes at us with such overwhelming velocity, and in such volume, that we can’t comprehend it without some layer of abstraction, such as a visual one.  My visual communication will prove far more successful if you begin by acknowledging that it is not a lone action but, rather, several activities, each of which requires distinct types of planning, resources, and skills.

Visualising skills

We have spoken about why you might visualise. But, what are the underpinning skills that support the visualising when problem solving? That is, the ways in which we visualise as we step into, model and plan. We have started to think about speciﬁc visualising skills that we should be offering opportunities for our pupils to practise and hone.

Internalising: Like the 'imagery' of Crapo et al (2000) this involves being able to (close your eyes) and focus on a problem, then pick out salient features to represent and make sense of the situation. In the problem Cubes Within Cubes it is necessary to spend the time creating an internal representation that you can draw on as you work through the problem. Without this internal image any ownership of the generalisation seems impossible.

Identifying : Being able to identify a useful image or representation of an idea, which may be someone else's, that means something to you. This representation helps you see or describe the structure of a problem. This is why a teacher might produce diagrams and images to support their pupils - sharing their visualisation may help learners to access the problem situation.

Comparing : Being able to scrutinise different images to identify what is the same or different, including:

• Being able to compare other people's representations with our own.

• Being able to identify the general and the speciﬁc in a representation and their signiﬁcance in

terms of the problem at hand. For example in a problem involving polyominoes, you might start with a domino (from which you are going to build triominoes), asking learners to visualise putting two squares together. Recognition that there is an inﬁnite number of orientations (general) is important but, in preparing to build triominoes, you only need to consider one orientation and to have that very clearly in your mind. • Trying to hold more than one image in your head. For example: remembering a starting point

and being able to 'rewind' when a sequence of moves does not work; keeping more than one aspect of the problem in 'view'.

My approach towards this was very simple and based on basic and ethical guidelines and ideals Step 1: Know what you want In order to visualize and manifest the kind of life you want, it's very important to have a clear idea of what you want and why. This can be achieved by understanding what you value and what brings you the most joy in life. Have you ever had that moment when you were doing something and felt joyful doing it? If yes, then that is a good sign of something you might want to have in your life. Step 2 : Describe your vision in detail This is one of the most important steps. When you want to manifest the life you want, you have to create a clear vision of what it should look like. You can write this down in detail or you could create a vision board. This will help you to create a clear and full picture of what your life would look like. Step 3: Start visualizing and create the emotions Once you are ready, you can take a moment to start envisioning the actual outcome. Start to imagine the sights, the sounds, the smells and even the taste of achieving what you want. As you go along, don't forget to feel the emotions you would feel, as if this "life" was your reality now. Step 4: Take daily actions There's a saying that “Rome was not built in a day.” Similarly, the life you want to create won’t happen in one day but will eventuate in a series of days and actions of working towards your goal. Don’t get too caught up with how far you are, instead focus on the present and set yourself daily or weekly actions to get to where you want Step 5: Have grit and persevere

When creating the life you want there, you will be faced with challenges. In fact one important tip when you are doing your visualizations is to imagine yourself facing these challenges and most importantly overcoming them.

