Unlocking Minds: Utilizing Visual Literacy to Support Critical Thinking and Diverse Learners

Session Title: Unlocking Minds: Utilizing Visual Literacy to Support Critical Thinking and Diverse Learners 

Presenters: Dianne Tetreault, Ed.D. and Hope Shirey, Ed.D., Adjunct Faculty Members, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice

Description: This session examines how visual literacy and multimodal texts can foster inclusion, global awareness, and critical thinking in diverse classrooms. Grounded in Universal Design for Learning (UDL), it highlights strategies for engaging students through visual, auditory, and interactive media that support varied learning needs. Participants will explore how interpreting visual grammar deepens comprehension and analysis of literary elements and themes, while culturally responsive texts promote multiple perspectives and intercultural understanding. The session features scaffolded assignments, discussion protocols, and collaborative activities that model accessible, standards‑aligned instruction for multilingual, neurodiverse, and historically marginalized learners. Attendees will leave with practical tools for using visual literacy and multimodal resources to build community, challenge assumptions, and inspire deeper inquiry. 

By the end of this session, participants will be able to: 

1. Apply UDL‑aligned strategies that use visual and multimodal texts to support diverse learners and increase equitable access to course content. 

1. Analyze and teach visual grammar to help students deepen comprehension, interpret multiple perspectives, and critically examine literary and cultural elements. 

1. Design inclusive, culturally responsive learning activities that integrate visual literacy to foster engagement, empathy, and intercultural competence.