October 4th, 2008
Visual thinking
Several people have told me recently about Visual Thinking Strategies, a non-profit that “uses art to foster kids’ capacities to observe, think, listen and communicate.” In fact, VTS was behind the Harvard Medical School art museum program I wrote about awhile back. It sounds like they’re doing great work. Find out more about their research and principles here.
Jeri on October 5, 2008
Wonderful resource! The video on the site showing the deep emotional intelligence of the students as they observe art is inspiring. Have already forwarded the site on to my daughter working as an ESL instructor in NY for Teach for America (great resource for the program), and several other teacher friends and art enthusiasts. It is time we rekindle the passion for truly “seeing” the world around us!!
Richard Sullivan on October 10, 2008
I agree this is a great program. I have one small problem. My seven year old is taking home monthly reports on how she is being prepared to begin taking the FCATS, the Florida Standardized tests that all evidence shows are ineffective and are not making schools better.
How do we get this bureaucracy of a school system to halt this program and go toward what we all know is a better system. It is like dealing with a Gulag.
Jason Buchen on October 10, 2008
Hello Dan,
At the request of my professor at UW La Crosse, I read your A Whole New Mind book. Honestly, it was an insightful read. Do I think the MFA will effectively replace the MBA, no, but maybe some sort of hybrid.
I have been in love with a little company which provides haptic feedback to mobile phone users, and game controllers, Immersion Inc. Does this sort of technology fit into your description of right brain attractiveness. For instance, my cell phone the Glimmer by LG, vibrates when I touch the screen. The technology is effective, but now offers extra touch sensation.
Hope on October 13, 2008
Dear Mr. Pink.
Thank you!
Hope Torrents
E. Wright on March 31, 2009
Hi,
Just reading your comments about Visual Thinking Strategies. While I have used it in classrooms in the past I am currently using Descriptive Review, which is an Artful Protocol developed by The Perpich Center for Arts Education in Minnesota. I like it because it is a little easier to use and it is A LOT cheaper. When using VTS only certain images of artworks are used per age level, which are, in my understanding, purchased through VTS. With Descriptive Review…anything can be used. I taught elementary classroom teachers the protocol, and we analyzed a wasp nest. My students (I am a K-6 art teacher) analyze all kinds of things (artifacts, student work, demonstrations, the classroom environment), and are starting to use what they know to analyze other things as well because they are comfortable with the process. It is profound to hear a third grade student ask a question that could prompt a graduate school thesis. When all voices are honored the learning increases through the use of multiple perspectives. Here is a link: http://opd.mpls.k12.mn.us/Descriptive_Review2.html