What is VTS?

The key to VTS used by Housen is the Aesthetic Development Interview (ADI), a non-directive, stream-of-consciousness questioning designed to elicit viewers’ thoughts and feelings about a work of art. Open-ended responses are obtained, and like responses are grouped together. The interviewer asks open-ended questions, such as,

“What do you see
in this picture?”

Visual Thinking Strategies, is a teaching method that applies developed art to build critical thinking, communication and visual literacy skills. Teachers facilitate the learner centered discussions of visual art and learners are engaged in observation and meaningful dialogue of art.

This use of facilitated discussion enables students to practice respectful, democratic, collaborative problem solving skills. VTS produces observational and visual literacy growth in all students, and engages students at all levels. Visual Thinking Strategies encourage thoughtful participation and nurtures verbal language skills, while influencing a thoughtful transfer of oral ability to written ability.