This Self-paced online course proposes Visual Thinking Strategies, a student-centered method, that fosters students’ literacy and soft skills through art and that can be implemented in primary and secondary schools, as well as in adult education, both in the mother tongue or in a target language.

A picture or painting is proposed to the students, who are asked a specific set of questions, specifically designed to inspire students’ creativity and critical thinking.

The fact that there is not only one right interpretation of the painting stimulates also students who usually do not participate to speak up in class and improve their communication skills and their confidence. At the same time students, being involved in a collaborative meaning-making process, learn to value each other’s contributions.

During the course, you will learn the history of VTS, how the method works, and how to best implement it into your own lessons. In particular, you will experience the benefits of the method, linking them with the so-called 4Cs of the 21st century: Creativity, Communication, Collaboration, and Critical Thinking.

This course will also help understand the importance of a positive atmosphere in the class and how Visual Thinking Strategies can improve it, by making students talk about their personal interests and emotions.