training pathway
Yoon Kang O’Higgins - Senior Trainer
Yoon designed and led the training sessions for the PTW educators and facilitated the development of the image bank.
Yoon started as an intern for VTS in 1997, 2 years after the Philip and Abigail founded the organization, eventually becoming Program Director. In that role, she led the development of new workshops, online resources, and guided partner programs such as the Kennedy Center’s Turnaround Arts and VTS in Science.
Based in Seattle, Washington, Yoon was a member of the museum team of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation from 2012-2019 where she helped develop programs focused on global health, gender equality, and education. Along with her current work as a VTS trainer and consultant, she contributes to the New York Times Learning Network as a moderator for the online feature “What’s Going on in this Picture.”
Yoon studied art history and studio art at Barnard College, Columbia University and University College London. She holds an M.Ed. in Adult Learning and Global Change from the University of British Columbia.
Practicum Training Pathway
1. Beginners Practicum – Denmark, 2018
For four invited educators, selected and nominated by each partner, to be introduced to ‘What is VTS?’ - the theoretical framework of aesthetic development by Abigail Housen and practical examples of VTS in museums/galleries and schools. This practicum offers direct experience of VTS discussion in action with post discussion group deconstructions to offer insight into what the viewer experiences in a VTS discussion and what a VTS discussion can teach. Practice in galleries with coaching takes place with pro-active, reflections, and homework assignments along the way.
2. Advanced Practicum – Finland 2018
To further develop trainee’s practice in the VTS technique. This practicum builds further on the understanding of aesthetic development and critical thinking to better support learners by focusing on strengthening group facilitation skills by paraphrasing with conditional language; linking related comments together to form conceptual connections & highlight scaffolding; Frame & Label ideas to identify themes & metacognitive behaviors.
3. Coaching Training – Netherlands 2019
This will support educators to learn to teach Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS). Fellow educators will guide each other in their VTS practice, and be guided by their local partner organisation. They will learn from each other’s insights into teaching, while sharing what is new to them about VTS. The role of the coach is key to facilitating this learning environment and ensuring all participants benefit. The facilitation used in coaching will build upon skills honed in VTS Apprentice’s practice – but he/she will learn to apply these to support a group or individual as they examine and reflect upon the VTS teaching practice.
