BMAC Summer Institute: Approaching Literacy through Images
Brattleboro Museum & Art Center’s Summer Institute provides an introduction to Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), a powerful and exciting teaching methodology that aims to strengthen students’ literacy and critical-thinking skills through facilitated engagement with images, starting with 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 public schools, and at the Harvard School of Medicine.
VTS theory is supported by rigorous research by renowned cognitive psychologist Dr. Abigail Housen and testing over years with control and experimental groups. Brattleboro Museum & Art Center has used VTS as its primary means of visitor engagement for almost 20 years.
BMAC’s Summer Institute is a three-day course for educators at all levels – from teachers of pre-school through high school, professors of education at college and universities, museum educators, and other professionals interested in learning how to incorporate VTS into their work. No prior knowledge of art or art history is required. There will be two tracks: one for beginners and one for those who have some prior experience and practice with VTS.
The atmosphere will be stimulating, fun, and supportive! Participants learn how to identify images that support VTS and explore ways that the method dovetails with the Common Core State Standards and students’ multiple learning styles.
Under the guidance of certified VTS trainer Marlene Roeder and the museum’s Education Curator Susan Calabria, participants 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.
Dates: Monday, July 8 – Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Fee: $350 ($320 for BMAC members), includes materials and refreshments.
Registration: Register online by June 20, 2013 at 5 p.m. Registration is required and space is limited.
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 past 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.”
