What makes a good Facilaitated VTS conversation?

What makes a skilled facilitator in a VTS Conversation? Is it the conditional language, the neutrality or is it the posing of the second question? I think the first two skills, neutrality and conditional language are essential but I think what drives the conversation deeper is the posing of what do you see that makes you say that? It causes the viewers to really think about and study an image to discover what were they looking at that caused them to make the statement. The probing into the deeper meaning drives the conversation to a different level. It not only challenges the viewer that made the statement but also the rest of the group to think and reflect. People sometimes criticize VTS as a simplistic posing of scripted questions, but in reality what is does is influence the viewer to look deeply and analyze their views and back it up with evidence. I was leading a conversation with a group of kindergartner  the other day and a young man stated he thought it was from the old days. When I asked him what he saw that made him say that, he said in the background are pipes (smokestacks) that are putting out a lot of smoke and dirt and they don't allow that now. What he noticed off in the background were a series of smokestacks that were emitting polluting smoke that would not be allowed today because of stricter rules. It was a small detail but he provided wonderful evidence to support his theory. His identification of the things in the background caused the group to look deeper and begin to analyze the setting as seeing the people now as factory workers on a break or possibly going to their job. They had several theories going on but many revised their statements when this small piece was revealed. It never ceases to amaze me what children see and bring to the table when they carefully analyze a work of art. I challenge you to listen carefully to conversations and think about what you would ask if you were leading the facilitation.

2nd Annual Summer Institute is in the history book!

So we hosted the 2nd Annual Summer Institute and it was amazing! Philip Yenawine is an amazing leader and the staff of VTS is simply amazing! Everyone who attended couldn't be more energized or pumped! What did  see that made me say that is the conversations and networking that took place were simply astounding to watch. People were connected and talking about how they used it in their classrooms and museums . The presentations at the share out sessions were simply incredible. You could learn about courageous conversations using VTS and race, you could learn about a science center and how they are applying it or a museum partnering with  a school in Washington state using it with writing and math.
There were presentations about a district wide initiative in Louisiana, the partnership with Boston Schools and the Isabella Stuart Gardener Museum, the program in New York working with Brooklyn schools and the initiative in California. If you have an opportunity to attend the Institute, make it a priority, you will not be sorry!
It's a can't miss opportunity!
To all the wonderful facilitators and trainers from the National office, thanks for the most amazing professional development ever!