Visit to the Lowe: VTS (Visual Thinking Skills)

 

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Introductions

Distinguish Guest of TAL 324, Jodi Sypher

Our class was visited by Lowe Art Museum's Curator of Education Jodi Sypher, who introduced students to the concept of Visual Thinking Skills (VTS).

II

Concept Addressed: Contemplation

 Contemplation is the action of looking thoughtfully at something for a long time. Thus, art contemplation is the action of looking at a piece of art thoughtfully for a long time, as it happens when one is engaged in the practice of visual thinking strategies.

Question 1

 

Why is contemplation an important exercise for school children?

 

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III

Link: How to Teach Visual Thinking Strategies to Your Students

Visual Thinking Strategies is a popular teaching method initiated by teacher-discussions of art images, and is commonly documented for having positive effects on teachers and students.

Today, VTS is used in museums, schools, universities and health institutions around the world.  As an organization, VTS provides workshop training for educators.

 

 

IV

 

A Brief Intro to VTS

"Visual Thinking Strategies" is an inquiry-based teaching method created by cognitive psychologist Abigail House and museum educator Philip Yenawine. 

In Yenawine's latest book, he defines VTS as the use of art to teach "visual literacy, thinking, and communication skills."

The official Visual Thinking Strategies website, vtshome.org, describes how art is imperative: "Art is the essential first discussion topic because it enables students to use existing visual and cognitive skills to develop confidence and experience, learning to use what they already know to figure out what they don't; they are then prepared to explore other complex subject matter alone and with peers."

The main aspects of VTS teaching practice include three key inquiries:

1. What's going on in this picture?

2. What do you see what makes you say that?

3. What more can we find?

LINK: Visual Thinking Strategies

 

 

Question 2

 

 Why are Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) useful in developing students' discussions about art?

 

 

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REVIEW

Important Concepts

Visual Thinking Strategies: inquiry-based teaching method used to teach visual literacy, thinking and communication skills.                                        

Visual Literacy: the ability to find meaning in imagery.

 

Question 3

 

How can teachers enhance students' visual literacy in the classroom?

VI

Resources

 

Visual Thinking Strategies: A Lecture by Philip Yenawine

 

Question 4

 

 Why are Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) useful in developing students' discussions about art?

 

Question 5

 

On (Min. 1:26) of the video above, Yenawine explains the progression of observational skills. Explain in your own words how these skills "drive language"?

 

 

(VTS) - Visual Thinking Strategies: Artwork to Enhance Critical Thinking and Expression 

 Question 6

In the video above the teacher explains a numbers of VTS activities. 

 

What kinds of reflections does she ask students to generate in reference to the art activities she is presenting?