Visual Thinking Strategies
Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) is a school curriculum and teacher method that:
- Uses art to develop critical thinking, communication and visual literacy skills
- Asks educators to facilitate learner-centered discussions of visual art
- Engages learners in a rigorous process of examination and meaning-making through visual art
- Measurably increases observation skills, evidential reasoning, and speculative abilities
- Engenders the willingness and ability to find multiple solutions to complex problems
- Uses
facilitated discussion to enable students to practice respectful,
democratic, collaborative problem solving skills that over time
transfer to other classroom interactions, and beyond
- Uses
eager, thoughtful participation to nurture verbal language skills, and
writing assignments to assist transfer from oral to written ability
- Produces growth in all students, from challenged and non-English language learners to high achievers
- Underscore connections to art and strengthens the role of museums as a valuable resource in students’ lives
SPPS Visual & Media Arts Teacher Experience with VTS:
In September 2009, all K-12 Saint Paul Public Schools visual and media
arts teachers, 50 total, were trained in the use of Visual Thinking
Strategies.
Some VTS curriculum materials was purchased using art
department grant funds. The SPPS Arts Department is in the process of
creating portfolios of reproductions that may be checked out by
teachers for use with their students.
Check back later for more information on teacher resources.
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