Visual Thinking Strategies: Using Art in ELT by Gabriel Diaz Maggioli

Following Contents are based on 2014 KOTESOL-KAFLE International Conference held on 3rd Oct 2014

Visual Thinking Strategies: Using Art in ELT 

by Gabriel Diaz Maggioli
from Pre-conference Workshops 
2014 KOTESOL-KAFLE International Conference 

Gabriel Diaz Maggioli  MA, Education, University of Bath (UK); doctoral studies in education, University of Bath Currently faculty member of The New School in NY city.

His methodology was Simple. Put Arts into ESL classroom, then it will make the class activities and language learning more meaningful and authentic. 

01 Bedroom in Arles	The first example was picture of Van Gogh Ask student whether they think it's art or artifact. Majority will say Art. Well, then with the fact that he drew the same picture three times, do you still think that this is just ART?

That was the introduction of the workshop. Throwing a question to think over and discuss together in the class.

Another example. 

Ask students to close their eyes and on cuing the opening signal, show a kind of constructivist work... like this one. 

Ask them what objects or people they can see in it.  Answer can vary substantially because their imagination is unlimited. Encourage discussion in class by asking the volunteers to support their ideas.  e.g. From what can you see it's a human being? What's head?  You can deconstruct the art into language using its form, function, line, color, etc as freely as you can with kids.

Then, other possible activity can be writing their own ideas in a short paragraph. Well, see, another activity to do in class!

He named this style of teaching as VTS (visual teaching strategy)

For this class, Just remember 4 STEPS

1. Show the picture

2. Give them silent moment to look and appreciate ( too less silent moments in modern times already!)

3. Ask them what they see 

4. Dig down to find out more and more details to think and support what has been previously said.

Diazmagg@newschool.edu