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Unit 2 - Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS).pdf
- 1. Visual Thinking & Cartography Unit-2 Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS)
- 2. Visual Thinking Strategies(VTS) is an inquiry-based teaching method developed by Museum of Modern Art educators in 1991. It encourages critical thinking and observation skills through facilitated discussions about art. VTS uses three core questions to guide student discussion, fostering an inclusive and student-centered learning environment. Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS)
- 3. Core VTS Questions 1What’s going on in this picture? Encourages initial observations and broad interpretations. 2 What do you see that makes you say that? Prompts students to provide evidence for their claims, fostering analytical skills. 3 What more can we find? Invites further exploration and encourages diverse perspectives. These questions create an open dialogue where all observations are valued, and there are no right or wrong answers, promoting a safe space for expression.
- 4. Enhances critical thinkingand evidence-based reasoning skills. Boosts student engagement and communication abilities. Supports diverse learners, including English Language Learners (ELL) and students with special needs. Integrates seamlessly with writing and various content area learning objectives. Benefits of VTS in Education
- 5. Visual Diagrams Concept mapsare graphical tools that visually organize and represent knowledge. They help link ideas, concepts, or processes in a structured way. Nodes & Connections They use nodes (circles or boxes) to represent concepts and connecting lines or arrows with labels to show relationships between them. Clarity & Organization These maps aid in organizing, chunking, and clarifying complex information, making it easier to comprehend and retain. Visual Learning Concept maps are particularly useful for all learners, especially those who process information best through visual means. What Are Concept Maps?
- 6. Make thought processesexplicit and visible, allowing for clear articulation of ideas. Promote deeper understanding and metacognition by encouraging reflection on connections. Facilitate logical argumentation and critique by revealing underlying thought structures. Reduce cognitive load by integrating verbal and visual information into a cohesive whole. How Concept Maps Support Visual Thinking
- 7. Steps to Createa Concept Map Identify Central Concept Begin by determining the main topic or question your map will explore. Brainstorm Ideas Generate all related ideas freely, without immediate judgment or hierarchy. Organize Spatially Arrange ideas on the page based on their relevance, category, or importance. Connect with Labels Draw lines or arrows between ideas and label them to clearly show the relationship.
- 8. Tools for ConceptMapping Concept mapping can be done with simple paper and colored markers for a tactile approach. For digital mapping, popular tools include Lucidchart, Miro, Mindomo, and Google Slides. Many of these platforms offer collaborative features, enabling real-time group mapping. Additionally, the ability to embed media and link to external resources significantly enhances the richness and utility of your concept maps.
- 9. Select an Image Choosean image or artwork relevant to your topic or learning objective. Guide Discussion Use VTS questions to facilitate observation and discussion about the chosen image. Create Concept Map Develop a concept map capturing key ideas and connections observed in the image. Share & Elaborate Present and discuss your maps in small groups or pairs, explaining your reasoning. Applying Visual Thinking: Activity Overview
- 10. 1 Observe Silently Take 1-2minutes to quietly observe the image. 2 Discuss with VTS Engage in discussion using the VTS questions; note down key observations. 3 Build Concept Map Individually or collaboratively create your concept map. 4 Present Maps Share your maps and explain connections and reasoning. Activity Instructions
- 11. Summary & Takeaways VTSfosters critical thinking through guided visual inquiry and evidence-based reasoning. Concept maps organize and deepen understanding by visually representing complex ideas and their relationships. Combining VTS and concept maps significantly enhances learning impact and retention. Encourage regular use of these strategies for a more active, inclusive, and effective classroom engagement.