VISUAL THINKING STRATEGIES

"Visual Thinking Strategies" (VTS) is an inquiry-based and responsive teaching practice created by cognitive psychologist Abigail House and museum educator Philip Yenawine. While there are many aspects to VTS, at its core is a small group viewing process which gives students time for silent observation of a work of art, followed by an instructor facilitating a discussion using three key questions:

What’s going on in this picture?
What do you see that makes you say that?
What more can we find?

To delve deeper into using VTS in the classroom, see:

Visual Thinking Strategies

Visual Thinking Strategies in a Fifth Grade Classroom

How to Teach Visual Thinking Strategies to Your Students

Visual Thinking Strategies

See, Think, Wonder

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Connect with the NBMAA In Person

The NBMAA Education Department offers docent-led tours for students, grades Pre-K —12. The tour “What is America?” features a ten-minute stop in each of six galleries for a guided discussion in which students discuss artwork across American history.

Many of the works in this project are on view in the Bentley and Martin Galleries. If you would like to bring your students to see the works in person for a self-guided experience, or for a “What is America” tour, please contact the NBMAA Education Department or call (860) 229-025, ext. 224. A school trip may be eligible for grant funding.