VTS Institute: Approaching Literacy Through Art
Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) is a powerful and exciting teaching methodology that aims to strengthen students’ literacy and critical-thinking skills through facilitated engagement with visual art. VTS has been applied to great effect with students of all ages, in schools and museums around the world, including Miami, San Francisco, and San Antonio pubic schools, and at the Harvard School of Medicine.
BMAC’s Visual Thinking Strategies Institute is a three-day course designed for K-12 classroom teachers, museum educators, and other professionals interested in learning how to incorporate VTS into their work. Under the guidance of certified VTS trainer Marlene Roeder and BMAC Education Curator Susan Calabria, participants will learn about the research and theory behind VTS, practice facilitating VTS-based sessions involving fellow participants, and receive helpful written and electronic resource materials. Participation is equivalent to 24 professional development hours.
In 2012, we are offering Introductory and Advanced tracks, based on prior experience and knowledge of VTS. Prior knowledge of visual art is not required. The atmosphere will be stimulating, fun, and supportive!
Dates: August 6-8, 2012
Fee: $350 ($320 for BMAC members).
Registration: Online or download registration form.
Questions? Contact Susan Calabria at 802-257-0124, ext. 102 or education@brattleboromuseum.org
About VTS Trainer Marlene Roeder
Marlene Roeder is an artist and educator who has worked in schools and museums for over 25 years. As a certified VTS professional development facilitator, she has helped hundreds of teachers, docents, and museum professionals around the country implement effective large- and small-scale VTS programs. She has spoken nationally and internationally on the importance of Arts in Education community partnerships. Roeder brings a unique joy and humor to all her workshops.
Comments from 2011 Participants
“This was such a well-crafted and well-designed workshop! I will implement it in September in my classrooms.”
“My confidence level was increased significantly by presenting in a museum environment. It was excellent practice. Marlene was such a phenomenal facilitator!”
You made the aesthetic stages very easy to understand. Coaching was done so kindly — loved small group practice. Marlene really set an excellent tone for teaching and the whole institute.”
