Media in the Classroom: Enhancing Learning with the Use of Film

Media has become such an indispensable tool in education. It provides students with an immersive learning experience that goes beyond traditional textbooks and engages their senses. By using films, documentaries, and multimedia in our lessons, we offer diverse perspectives that enrich our students understanding of a particular topic - creating a deeper connection between the student and the topic of study. Media offers a chance to bring abstract concepts to life and spark critical discussions, making learning both engaging and effective.

Why Use Media in the Classroom?

1. Engagement and Motivation: One of the key advantages of using media is its ability to capture and hold students attention. Films, videos, and other multimedia content create a dynamic learning environment that produces curiosity and can keep students interested in the subject matter.

   
   

2. Visual Learning: Many students are visual learners - retaining information better when it is presented through images, sounds, and actions. Films work to simplify complex ideas for the visual learner and offer a more tangible and relatable experience. This is especially true with history, literature, science, and social studies. One great example of this is classic literature. Take for instance, A Christmas Carol or Shakespeare. These classics are challenging to read and understand for most students. The film adaptations of these books help students connect the dots, fill in missing pieces they did not understand when reading the book, and enhance their comprehension of the story.

   
   

3. Cultural Exposure: Films take students on a variety of adventures they would not have otherwise. They can journey to different cultures, historical time periods, and learn more about global issues. Films can breed compassion and empathy when a student sees a need that must be filled or witnesses suffering and pain they had not fully understood merely from reading about it. Film offers students new insight and perspective.

   
   

4. Critical Thinking: Engaging media promotes critical thinking. Students watching a film begin to analyze the plot, characters, and themes in the film. Classroom discussions about these things, as well as, outside of class help students develop the skills to critique content, identify biases, and understand the broader context of what they are learning.

   
   

5. Memory Retention: Studies show that multimedia, including films, can enhance memory retention. When students connect what they are learning to a visual representation, they are more likely to remember key details and concepts long after the lesson is over. The Journal of Educational Psychology published a study in 2016 that revealed students who interacted with multimedia content (videos, films, interactive media etc.) retained information 65% more effectively than those who relied solely on traditional text-based learning methods.

   
   

How to Use Films in the Classroom

1. Supplementing Lessons: My favorite way to use film in the classroom is as a complement to the curriculum or textbooks. For example, a documentary on Sacagawea and the Lewis and Clark expedition can help students visualize life in the past, making historical events more engaging and relatable.

   
   

2. Discussion Starters: Films offer a wonderful opportunity to open up conversation and even debate in the classroom. After viewing a movie or documentary, teachers can easily guide students into varying topics like character motivations and societal ramifications. Discussions deepen the students understanding of the subject matter and encourage diverse viewpoints.

   
   

3. Group Projects: Group work encourages collaboration and provides students an opportunity to practice critical thinking, research, and presentation skills while exploring the film content in depth together and engaging in helpful dialogue.

   
   

4. Creative Assignments: Allow students some room to express themselves and what they have learned from the coursework and film. Students can write alternate endings, place the event/story in a different timeframe, design posters, write a script of their own, or paint a beautiful or brooding masterpiece about the topic. Helping students engage with the material in a creative and meaningful way reinforces their understanding of the material and connect with it on a personal level.

   
   

Using Media Responsibly and With Discretion

Though it is true that there are benefits to having media in classroom, it’s also essential to use films and videos responsibly and with discretion. Not all media is appropriate for every classroom, every age group or every child, and some content may be too complex, controversial, or sensitive for certain students.

1. Age-Appropriate Content: Before showing a film, be sure that the content is age-appropriate, aligns with the developmental level of the students, and does not conflict with their moral values. Content that is too mature or violent may affect a student emotionally and hinder a students learning. Take time to assess the film based on the content and your specific students needs.

   
   

2. Educational Value: Make sure the media supports the goals of your lesson. While a film can be fun to watch, it should also help students learn by reinforcing important ideas, encouraging critical thinking, or showing how the topic connects to the real world.

   
   

3. Parental Involvement: When using media, it’s important to include parents in the decision-making process, especially when showing films that may contain sensitive or controversial material. Providing parents with information about the film beforehand allows them to voice any concerns they have. It also promotes unity and a sense of community with the parents. Parents want to know their values as a family are important to you and that you will uphold their family culture in the classroom as much as possible. Offering parents a list of films for the semester, along with a brief synopsis of each film, will foster a cooperative learning environment that supports each student.

   
   

4. Previewing Content: This is of utmost importance - always preview the media you plan to view in class before showing them to your students. This ensures that there are no surprises and allows the teacher to make any necessary adjustments. By previewing the content of the film or media, teachers can be prepared to address difficult topics or questions that may arise during or after the film. It can also help in addressing a parents concerns should they have one.

   
   

Inspiring Films for the Classroom

Here’s a list of inspiring films across various subjects that can be incorporated into the classroom, along with brief synopses to help teachers choose appropriate content for their students:

The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) Genre: Drama

Synopsis: This true story follows Chris Gardner, a man who overcomes homelessness and personal hardship to achieve success as a stockbroker. It’s a touching narrative about resilience, determination, and the pursuit of dreams.

Classroom Application: Ideal for discussions on goal-setting, perseverance, and overcoming adversity. It also offers a lens into economic hardship and personal development.

March of the Penguins (2005) Genre: Documentary

Synopsis: This documentary follows emperor penguins as they journey across Antarctica to mate and raise their young, showing their resilience and the harsh realities of life in the coldest place on Earth.

Classroom Application: Excellent for teaching biology, environmental science, and the natural world.

The Iron Giant (1999) Genre: Animation, Science Fiction

Synopsis: In this animated film, a young boy befriends a giant robot, and together they navigate fear and prejudice in the Cold War era. The film emphasizes themes of friendship, bravery, and selflessness.

Classroom Application: A great option for discussing the ethics of technology, war, and the power of friendship.

The Great Debaters (2007) Genre: Drama

Synopsis: Based on the true story of a debate team from a historically black college, this film explores themes of racial inequality, education, and the power of persuasive argument.

Classroom Application: Ideal for public speaking, debate, and discussing racial issues and the importance of education.

Stand and Deliver (1988) Genre: Drama

Synopsis: This film tells the true story of Jaime Escalante, a high school teacher who inspired his students to excel in calculus, overcoming numerous obstacles and societal expectations.

Classroom Application: A motivational movie that highlights the power of belief in students and the transformative potential of education.

A Smile as Big as the Moon (2012) Genre: Drama

Synopsis: Based on a true story, A Smile as Big as the Moon follows the inspiring journey of Mike Kersjes, a special education teacher at a Michigan high school, who dreams of taking his students with disabilities to the prestigious NASA Space Camp. Despite facing skepticism and challenges, Mike's determination and belief in his students push him to fight for their opportunity to attend. As the students prepare for the trip, they overcome personal struggles, develop confidence, and show that with hard work and support, they can achieve greatness. This heartwarming film highlights themes of perseverance, inclusion, and the importance of believing in every student’s potential.

Classroom Application: An inspiring film that promotes inclusivity and achieving big dreams through hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

Here are several websites that provide Content Advisories. The *asterisks means it is a faith based website :

Common Sense Media

Kids in Mind

*Movieguide

*Plugged In

Media, when used responsibly, offers a powerful way to enrich a students life and educational experience. By selecting the right films or media, teachers create a spark that helps their students connect academic content with real-world experiences.