I’ve written several posts about how I’m using visualization techniques with my students (and doing assessments with them and a control group to evaluate if it’s working.
I read a reference to a Harvard psychologist named Stephen Kosslyn in this New York Times article today. He has done a lot of research into “mental imagery.”
Here is a book chapter he wrote titled Mental Imagery and Implicit Memory. It’s focused on how people in a wide-range of professions and sport have used mental imagery (visualization) successfully.
I was particularly struck by his finding that it is most successful in activities where a high degree of cognitive skills is required. It seems to me that English reading, writing, speaking, and listening fit that bill!
Are you old enough to remember the book, PsychoCybernetics, Larry? Mental practice was discussed in great detail! You might find it a fun read if you can locate an old copy!