VTS Practicums
Through this series, participants learn to facilitate VTS image discussions. Each workshop will be held in museums or other arts institutions in order to develop your VTS skills while enjoying the collections.
- Practicum 1 introduces basic VTS facilitation skills. No prior experience is required. All participants are given at least two opportunities to practice during the workshop, with coaching, while also participating in and reflecting on many discussions. There is ample time for questions and for exploring the VTS process. All are welcome, regardless of where and how they plan to practice VTS—whether in schools, museums, or other contexts.
- Practicums 2 and 3 allow participants to advance their skills, through intensive practice and coaching, eventually preparing them to facilitate discussions for viewers with experience and knowledge of art including selecting and sequencing images. Attendance requires extensive experience beyond that gained in the workshops. Applicants are required to present videoclips of their facilitation skills.
To support ongoing practice in participant’s home sites, VUE provides a range of images that meet the interests and needs of various groups on our subscription-based website. Additionally, participants may seek advice and assistance from VUE staff at any time and take advantage of relevant webinars and peer-networking services.
- Practicum 1 (2 days): This training starts the process, focusing on practice and reflecting on elements of VTS, including the best practices for choosing images for particular audiences. Exercises in listening and paraphrasing are included. Relevant aspects of Housen’s Theory of Aesthetic Development will be briefly introduced to aid in understanding image selection. Participants will be able to conduct VTS discussions for beginning viewers as result. No previous VTS experience is required.
- Practicum 2 (3 days): Extends the VTS practice with further coaching and exercises focused on improving paraphrasing and linking. Additional attention is paid to image selection in order to address the needs and interests of various audiences as understood by way of Housen’s stages. As an outcome, participants should be able to conduct VTS discussions with a variety of audiences with confidence. Participants must have had a minimum of ten hours of VTS teaching experience to qualify for admission, and indicate their level of proficiency by submitting a videotape of an image discussion.
- Practicum 3 (3 days): Is intended for those who want to work with audiences frequently found in schools that have implemented VTS for a number of years, or with adult audiences in museums, colleges, and universities. Facilitation practices emphasize strategies that encourage higher stage growth, as understood through Housen’s research. As the conclusion, participants should feel comfortable facilitating image discussions with any audience, from beginner to advanced viewers. Participants must have had a minimum of thirty hours of VTS teaching to qualify for admission and indicate level of proficiency by submitting a videotape of an image discussion.