Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) | Incinerator Gallery

Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) is a powerful and exciting student-centred teaching methodology co-developed by cognitive psychologist Abigail Housen and veteran museum educator Philip Yenawine. In monthly (or more) lessons VTS has been proven to strengthen students’ oral communications, literacy and creative and analytical skills among students of all ages. VTS uses facilitated discussion to practice respectful, democratic, collaborative problem-solving among students, which transfers to other classroom interactions and beyond.

In this one day 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 open-ended inquiry and engagement with visual art, listening to others and hands-on practical experiences participants will gain an understanding of this pedagogy and consideration the benefits for their students and school community.

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

This program is suitable for educators of all subjects and enhances all classroom teaching strategies and curriculum.

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.

Other dates for upcoming Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) teacher professional learning can be seen here.

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.