Submitted by Dr. Katherine Sogolow (not verified) on October 4, 2007 - 06:53.
Using film and various media, I have taught Theatre to students from Elementary age to College. When tied to instructional goals with supporting materials (source literature [books, articles, concepts]study guides, follow up projects etc.) using media (commercials, TV, and film --excerpts or full length) is an excellent way to teach almost anything from Language Arts to Science, to History, as well as the performing arts.
However, teachers need to learn how to teach effectively with these tools. Also, permission from parents (for students through 12th grade) MUST be obtained for student viewing: parents should be advised about the content and have the ability to voice their approval or disapproval (for example, if a parent does not wish a student to view a film such as "To Kill A Mockingbird", alternate activities in another class should be provided for that student on the day of the showing). Finally, material must be age-appropriate.
With effective integration of media and film into the classroom teaching environment, students can connect immediately to the learning concept, broaden their point of view, entertain new ideas and possibilities, see other cultures, hear other voices, gain inspiration and new approaches, become more thoughtful, resourceful, and tolerant human beings, and increase critical thinking and dialogue about myriad issues. Discovery of self and the world about us is a key benefit to such instruction.
It takes time to create substantive lesson plans that achieve these goals, and this is where training is helpful. There are many more resources available now than ever before for creating effective plans, and PLC's can help teachers work in groups to refine their teaching approaches and skills.
Often, just showing a clip is the best option to achieve the learning objective. However, it takes time for the teacher to view a complete film and make the critical choices to show certain clips. If the teacher cannot take the time to inform parents or make fundamental critical choices about targeted instruction, perhaps it is best not to use the proposed media.
The value of using media and film in the classroom
Submitted by Dr. Katherine Sogolow (not verified) on October 4, 2007 - 06:53.
Using film and various media, I have taught Theatre to students from Elementary age to College. When tied to instructional goals with supporting materials (source literature [books, articles, concepts]study guides, follow up projects etc.) using media (commercials, TV, and film --excerpts or full length) is an excellent way to teach almost anything from Language Arts to Science, to History, as well as the performing arts.
However, teachers need to learn how to teach effectively with these tools. Also, permission from parents (for students through 12th grade) MUST be obtained for student viewing: parents should be advised about the content and have the ability to voice their approval or disapproval (for example, if a parent does not wish a student to view a film such as "To Kill A Mockingbird", alternate activities in another class should be provided for that student on the day of the showing). Finally, material must be age-appropriate.
With effective integration of media and film into the classroom teaching environment, students can connect immediately to the learning concept, broaden their point of view, entertain new ideas and possibilities, see other cultures, hear other voices, gain inspiration and new approaches, become more thoughtful, resourceful, and tolerant human beings, and increase critical thinking and dialogue about myriad issues. Discovery of self and the world about us is a key benefit to such instruction.
It takes time to create substantive lesson plans that achieve these goals, and this is where training is helpful. There are many more resources available now than ever before for creating effective plans, and PLC's can help teachers work in groups to refine their teaching approaches and skills.
Often, just showing a clip is the best option to achieve the learning objective. However, it takes time for the teacher to view a complete film and make the critical choices to show certain clips. If the teacher cannot take the time to inform parents or make fundamental critical choices about targeted instruction, perhaps it is best not to use the proposed media.