Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Movie Time Useful?
In English 7 this week we are reading a Christmas Carol to study the concept of theme and its connection to the world today. After reading the play we will be watching the movie fo the play. I always have mixed feelings about watching movies in class because they take up so much time. I wonder if the time is worth it. We watch the movie because we want to cement the plot in students' minds before we ask them to write about the progression of Scrooge and his relevance in today's society. I will have students taking notes during the movie on moments of change for Scrooge. These elements make me feel alright about watching the movie. But what does everyone think about movie viewing in classrooms? Do you think it is a waste of time? Do you see a purposeful use for them in the classroom? What activities do you do with movies that you feel makes them more purposeful?
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I think it is useful because it is another way of presenting the information. Think of Gardner's multiple intelligences--some students are visual, aural, kinetic, musical, etc. I think of how much I have learned from watching films--I know I am a visual person myself. Film is an art as well. I think we have a tendency to downgrade film as an art, and as an educational opportunity because we feel that students are being passive when they watch films. I would say it depends on the film itself--ask yourself if you felt it was necessary to watch certain films to understand something about your world or the human condition. It is easier to actually "SEE" Victorian England than just imagine it. The film provides more information visually to allow the students to get a better sense of living the conditions described in the words on the page. Plus the students experience the performance of the actors to make the character come alive. I DO like the George C. Scott version of the play. I have a passion for that actor ever since I saw him in Patton when I was really young. Patton--talk about a great film!
ReplyDeleteI have taught film classes before--so I would look at all aspects of the film and use the drama terms--character, performance, scenery, scenes/acts, costumes, props, lighting, camera angles and camera action. Go for it!
I agree with Ann that is useful for those visual learners to see what things looked like or to better understand the plot. I always follow any movie with a reflection paper, either detailing their own thoughts about the movie and it cannot be a summary. I think this helps promote critical thinking.
ReplyDeleteWe also watch a movie related to a book we read in 6th grade. We use it as an opportunity to compare/contrast, and it can also can be related to the reading strategy visualization. I think when the movie has a specific purpose and is related to what you are teaching, it can be very beneficial. Plus, the students are usually very engaged because it is not something they get to do everyday!
ReplyDeleteAs a social studies teacher, we watch movies frequently. I think movies help with visualizing, like Laura said, but it also serves as a reference point that builds schema. Generally, I like to start a unit with a video that helps students get a general sense of background about a particular concept.
ReplyDeleteA method to save time would be to email parents and tell kids at the beginning of units that watching certain movies or reading certain books outside of class will build their schema about a particular topic.
The advantage about watching them in class is they get to have a positive attachment to something (kids love movies!) and then they get to see how it extends into the classroom.
I'm watching Hercules today with my kids and they are trying to pick out things we learned during the Greeece unit, including comparing and contrasting it with the Heracles myth. The kids really enjoy seeing their classroom knowledge extended into pop culture!
I agree with Eric. In social studies, seeing a visual representation of the concepts or stories that you have learned about or will learn about can be a very powerful thing. I think some movies can show history in a way that is easier for students to connect with or find compassion for the people who experienced it-more than a reading or a teacher lecturing can sometimes provide.
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