Art Contemplation: Visual Thinking Strategies


Distinguish Guest of TAL 324, Jodi Sypher

Our class was visited by Lowe Art Museum's Curator of Education Jodi Sypher, who introduced students to the concept of Visual Thinking Skills (VTS).

 What is Contemplation?
It is the action of looking thoughtfully at something for a long time. Thus, art contemplation is the action of looking at a piece of art thoughtfully for a long time, as it happens when one is engaged in the practice of visual thinking strategies.



What is Visual Thinking Strategies?

Visual Thinking Strategies is a popular teaching method initiated by teacher-discussions of art images, and is commonly documented for having positive effects of teachers and students.

Today, VTS is used in museums, schools, universities and health institutions around the world, and as an organization, provides workshop training for educators.

A Brief Intro to VTS

"Visual Thinking Strategies" is an inquiry-based teaching method created by cognitive psychologist Abigail House and museum educator Philip Yenawine. 

In Yenawine's latest book, he defines VTS as the use of art to teach "visual literacy, thinking, and communication skills."

The official Visual Thinking Strategies website, vtshome.org, describes how art is imperative: "Art is the essential first discussion topic because it enables students to use existing visual and cognitive skills to develop confidence and experience, learning to use what they already know to figure out what they don't; they are then prepared to explore other complex subject matter alone and with peers."

The main aspects of VTS teaching practice include three key inquiries:

1. What's going on in this picture?

2. What do you see what makes you say that?

3. What more can we find?



Important Concepts

Visual Thinking Strategies: inquiry-based teaching method used to teach visual literacy, thinking and                                                              communication skills.

Visual Literacy: the ability to find meaning in imagery.

Resources

Visual Thinking Strategies: A Lecture by Philip Yenawine


 

Visual Thinking Strategies: Artwork to Enhance Critical Thinking and Expression 

(Virtual Tour)



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