Proposed Title: Teaching Thinking: The Genesis of Literacy
Beginning in preschool, Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) introduces
discussions of art to jumpstart the kinds of thinking and
literacies required to prepare students for the challenges of the
21stCentury. VTS begins with art to allow students a chance to use
their visual acuity to address problems of ambiguity and
complexity. In the course of this, they develop skillssuch as the
habit of providing evidence to back up ideasthat easily transfer to
other lessons. The method of facilitation (a set of questions and
various response mechanisms) can be reapplied by teachers and used
to provoke searching examinations of other images and texts helping
students deepen understanding in subjects across the curriculum.
Meanwhile, art is deeply embedded in childrens learning experience.
The first day of this workshop will present some background
information and theoretical underpinnings of VTS, immediately
followed by an interactive demonstration and analysis of the
method. Participants will then have opportunity to practice the
method with coaching. If possible, this practice will take place in
at the Museu Picasso Barcelona. If not, we shall used projected
images to the same end. In conclusion, we will discuss video clips
of VTS in use in classrooms. The second half-day will take place at
the conference center and begin with discussions of non-art images
and text. Finally, the presentation will focus on data regarding
VTS impact on thinking and writing, and a chance for participants
to think through why such learning might occur. Questions will be
entertained throughout. The key learning activitiesParticipation in
image and text discussionsThe opportunity for at least six teachers
to practice VTS discussions followed by coaching, also a group
exchange.Discussions that interrogate the method and the data
regarding learning nurtured by VTS. The Learning outcomes /
essential questions / enduring understandingsInsights into the
practice of VTS, some as the result of trying it A sense of the
usefulness of art in teaching Awareness of the relationships
between seeing, thinking and talkingThe notion of the essential
place of discussion in learningConsideration of what is involved in
implementing VTS in a classroomI will need an excellent projector
that is connected to a computer ideally with internet access, tho
the latter is not essential. If we go to the museum, its is
possible that it will involve some charges tho Ive not investigated
them at this time. Participants might be encouraged to acquire the
book, Visual Thinking Strategies: Using Art to Deepen Learning
Across School Disciplines. I will also ask participants to download
some information to which Ill send links.In my communications with
Liz, she also mentioned an address during the conference itself. If
that is still planned, here is also my description of what it could
be:Title: What Is Art For? Frustrated when data revealed visitors
learned little from the many educational interventions offered by
his talented staff at NYs Museum of Modern Art, Philip Yenawine
asked Abigail Housen to help create a new and effective means of
teaching. The result, after much research, was Visual Thinking
Strategies, a teaching method used in many museums and schools in
the US and abroad as a means to teach visual literacy, thinking,
related language skills, and the social skills involved in
collaboration. This presentation will branch from philosophical
(what is art for?) to practical (how to create empowered viewers
and effective thinkers.) A VTS discussion will help illuminate both
topics. Questions will be welcomed.
