Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) is a research-based teaching methodology based on the work of cognitive psychologist, Abigail Housen and veteran museum educator Philip Yenawine that supports learner-centred thinking and feeling when looking at art objects.
Dublin City Arts Office tested the practice and training in VTS in its municipal space, The LAB Gallery by working in collaboration with children and teachers in local schools. Dublin City Arts Office, through the Neighbourhood Arts Grants, continues to support the ‘VTS Neighbourhood Schools’ with funded co-ordination that supports VTS sessions in local galleries and embedding school ownership of VTS as a tool for local arts in education access to contemporary art.
From 2016-2021, Dublin City Council and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment worked together to test the training pathway for ‘educators’ in Visual Thinking Strategies through local training practicums and EU funded projects, Permission to Wonder and Looking to Understand Inclusion.
The Gift of Sight: Why You Cannot VTS on Your Own - Visual Thinking Strategies
By Julia Moustacchi
