Teaching Materials > Visual Thinking Strategies

Visual Thinking Strategies

Integrate primary resources into the study of Ancient Mesopotamia

Visual Thinking Strategies, or VTS, is an educational methodology for teaching and learning visual literacy using artworks. It was developed by museum educator Philip Yenawine and developmental psychologist Abigail Housen. VTS is learner-centered and promotes the acquisition of critical thinking and communication skills by providing students with a structured means of making observations, solving problems, and communicating ideas.

The VTS method begins by introducing an artwork and asking students the leading question "What is going on in this painting, drawing, or sculpture?" Students begin by looking closely at the artwork and answering the question. As each student answers, the teacher, without judgment, restates the student's observations to the class while pointing to the artwork.

As discussion evolves the teacher continues to spur discussion by asking two more open-ended questions. The questions are, "What do you see that makes you say that?" and "What else can you find?" All three questions used in VTS can be asked in a discussion forum while on a field trip to a museum or in a classroom setting with a reproduction or projected image. The discussion format of VTS allows students to communicate their opinions and learn from peers while defending their own ideas with evidence.

Ancient Mesopotamia: This History, Our History works with and builds upon the framework established by VTS. The artifacts in the Learning Collection are presented in a way that encourages teachers to use them as a visual resource to facilitate in-depth classroom discussions. The artifacts are also presented in such a way to encourage students who approach the website independently to engage with artifacts through observation thereby drawing conclusions about their origins and uses. For more information about how to use VTS and this website in your classroom, please visit the Teacher Resources/VTS section of this website.

For more information about how to use VTS and this website in your classroom, please visit How to Use This Resource.
To learn more about VTS, visit the Visual Understanding in Education website .