Tell me what you see

Outside the classroom, Personal development, Physical, Reflection
60 min.
Small group
Upto 1 hour
Materials needed
Speaking, Listening
Critical thinking, Visual literacy, Separating main points and side points
Communication
Courage, Self-confidence
Download PDF

Objectives

This activity helps with critical and creative thinking to analyse complex issues. The learners are invited to express what they see, without being judged about right or wrong. As learners share their thoughts and views a collective process emerges.

It aims to

  • Develop critical thinking
  • Develop creative thinking
  • Encourage participation
  • Collaborative discussions
  • Express emotions
  • Reflection

Material

Images

Instructions

This activity is based on Visual Thinking Strategy (VTS). VTS is an inquiry-based teaching method that improves the learners ability to describe, analyze, and interpret imagery and information through observing and discussing visual art.

The activity revolves around three key questions:

  1. What’s going on in this picture?
  2. What do you see that makes you say that?
  3. What more can we find?

The facilitator shows an image and asks the first question. A learner shares thoughts and views. The facilitator paraphrases the learner and asks the learner the second question. The learner shares thoughts and views. The facilitator paraphrases and now uses pointing as an educational gesture to highlight and refer to what has been addressed by the learner. The facilitator asks the third question.

When no other thoughts and views are shared, the facilitator thanks the learners for their collaboration. No further explanation is given, nor is there a judgement about what has been said.

Variant

Depending on the selected images specific theme’s or categories can be adressed.

You can also use text or information. The adapted questions are:

  1. What’s going on in this text?
  2. What have you read that makes you say that?
  3. What more can we find?

Combine with writing

Show an image and ask learners to write down their thoughts and views using the three questions. By using a portfolio the learner can evaluate their own progress of writing and thinking skills.

Links

https://www.vtsnederland.org/

https://www.gvsu.edu/artgallery/visual-thinking-strategies-152.htm