Estrategias de pensamiento visual: ¿Método educativo innovador o efecto placebo para nuestros museos? Visual thinking strategies: Innovative educational method or placebo effect for our museums?

Abstract

This paper presents a reflection on the current situation of Art Education within Spanish museums. Particularly, it focuses on the analysis of the educational method known as "Visual Thinking Strategies" which, after being implemented and evaluated in different environments around the world it is being adopted by many art institutions in Spain. The article goes over the history of this educational method -developed in the United Stated more than twenty years ago- and explores from a critical point of view its advantages and limitations. Furthermore, it critically questions its current implementation in our country and analyzes its theorethical roots, in order to invite the readers to reflect on this educational methodology.