Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) is an educational approach that utilizes art to foster critical thinking, observational skills, and communication. At its core, VTS involves facilitating discussions around visual art or photography, wherein participants analyze and interpret the artwork, prompting them to articulate their observations, thoughts, and emotions. Further, it operates on the belief that engaging with visual stimuli encourages deeper levels of analysis and interpretation, fostering skills that are transferable across various disciplines and contexts, such as Family Science learning environments. During this Teaching Tuesday, an example of how VTS could be applied to teach the main constructs and propositions of a selected theoretical framework of family dynamics will be shared. Participants will be encouraged to formulate and discuss their own applications. 

After a short presentation, participants will have the opportunity to discuss: 

• The history, features, and processes of Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS). 

• Applications of VTS appropriate for a Family Science course. 

• How to use one or more VTS to promote observational, critical thinking, and communication skills among Family Science students/learners. 

Register to attend

About the Presenter

Deborah Barnes Gentry, Ed.D., CFLE, has extensive experience teaching in post-secondary institutions and community settings. Her longest tenure was with Illinois State University where she served in both professor and administrator positions. Immediately prior to retirement, Dr. Gentry was involved in promoting continuing professional development for faculty and staff at Heartland Community College. She also served as NCFR’s CFLE Academic Program Review Liaison. 

Dr. Gentry earned B.S., M.Ed., and M.S. degrees from the University of Illinois and a doctorate of education from Illinois State University. She has academic specializations in Family Science, curriculum, instruction, and program assessment and evaluation. Dr. Gentry’s topical interests are family conflict management, Family Life Education, and the Scholarship of Teaching and learning.  

After living in Illinois for many years, Dr. Gentry and her husband now reside in Surprise, Arizona, where it is nearly always sunny and warm.  

About NCFR Teaching Tuesdays

Teaching Tuesdays is a quarterly, interactive opportunity for NCFR members who teach in an academic setting to learn more about academic teaching. Presenter(s) will talk briefly about a topic related to teaching followed by a discussion with the presenter(s) and audience members. The discussion will focus on applying the information presented to enhance classroom pedagogy.

These events are free to all current NCFR members. The meetings will be recorded.

If you would like to be a session facilitator, contact Jessica Oswald via email.