Visual thinking
Several people have told me recently aboutĀ 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 programĀ I wrote about awhile back. Ā It sounds like they’re doing great work. Find out more about their research and principlesĀ here.
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!!
Dear Mr. Pink.
Thank you!
Hope Torrents
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