Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) | Incinerator Gallery

Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) is a research based pedagogy that uses art to develop students’ critical thinking, communication and visual literacy skills. It engages learners at all levels and capacities in a rigorous process of examination and meaning making through a facilitated group discussion. VTS creates a safe environment whereby students are eager to participate and builds their ability to discover multiple solutions to complex problems. Through regular (monthly or more) VTS lessons improvements in students observation skills, evidentiary reasoning and speculative abilities can be measurably demonstrated. These are benefits that over time transfer to other classroom interactions and subject areas.

On the surface VTS appears to be very easy and simple. In this two day intensive program participants will themselves look carefully at selected artworks, talk about what they observe and be encouraged to support their interpretation with visual evidence. Through deeper interrogation of the method participants will have a number of opportunities to practice VTS themselves in a supportive environment. Participants state this is the most rewarding part of the program. Information covered will include image selection and student observation. This program leaves teachers with the confidence to commence teaching VTS competently in their classrooms and communities.

The VTS pedagogy does not require specialist art knowledge or skills.

This program is suitable for teachers of all subjects and enhances all classroom teaching strategies and curriculum wanting a deeper engagement with the VTS method than the one day program can provide.

Previous attendees of this program are welcome to repeat for further coaching and to build on their VTS skills and knowledge.

Please contact Christine if you wish to discuss integrating Visual Thinking Strategies into your school curriculum. VTS school partnerships and coaching are free for Moonee Valley Schools.

If you would prefer your school to be invoiced please contact Christine chealey@mvcc.vic.gov.au with your school’s purchase order number.

Program includes lunch and refreshments.

Presenter

Christine Healey (Curator Education and Community Learning, at the Incinerator Gallery) is an experienced Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) trainer, coach and facilitator. Christine initially trained in VTS in New York (2012), followed up with two fellowships at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (2013 and 2016). Christine introduced VTS and the VTS school partnerships at Heide Museum of Modern Art and is pleased to be bringing this pedagogy to the Incinerator Gallery and schools in Melbourne’s western suburbs.

Please contact Christine if you wish to discuss integrating Visual Thinking Strategies into your school curriculum. VTS school partnerships and coaching are free for Moonee Valley Schools.