Thinking. Seeing. Articulating. Reflecting. Visualizing. Interacting. Integrating. Observing. Analyzing. Synthesizing. Deductive reasoning. Inductive reasoning. Intellectual stimulation. Thinking thoughts and thoughtful thinking. Visual Thinking Strategies or VTS is a visual arts best practice that elicits these processes and outcomes.
Three open-ended questions are used to engage the students and elicit responses. The instructor selects the image/artwork and displays it via power-point (LCD projector) or large reproduction. After observing the image for one full minute, the subjects are asked, “What is going on in this picture?” A laser pen can be used to assist/encourage the viewer see observe the entire image. The laser pointer is not used to mark out any one detail, rather a general wandering flow is used to help a child's eye observe the imagery. The laser is used point out what the viewer has commented on, consequently helping others see and engage them in the commentary. After an answer is given a follow-up question is asked, “What do you see that makes you say that?” This question helps the subject justify or provide a rationale for their comment and observation. The instructor may rephrase the answer to both questions for clarity, yet will not add or subtract from the subjects observations. After a bit of silence or pause the third question is used, “What more can we find?” Observation, connections, and reasoning are all over this approach like bees to honey. Or is it bees to nectar?
“In their role as facilitators, teachers paraphrase student responses, actively listening, validating individual views, demonstrating language use, and reinforcing a range of ideas.” (http://www.carlemuseum.org/downloads/VTS%20Final.pdf)
Carle Museum puts it nicely, “Students are asked to look carefully, develop opinions, express themselves, consider multiple viewpoints, speculate together, argue, debate and/or build on each other’s ideas, and possibly revise their conclusions. They are also asked to support their opinions with evidence as they endeavor to decode complex and diverse material and construct meaning together. This approach not only uses art to teach thinking, communication skills, and visual literacy, but also helps students practice respectful, democratic, collaborative problem solving.”
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