Using Movies Effectively in Class

Almost every school has that history teacher that was mister video. Almost every day a worksheet is passed out and a film started. While this teaching technique has justifiably been criticized, films and videos can be a valuable tool for teachers when used properly.

There is no rule that says a video must be shown from start to finish. While some films have valuable content throughout and are good to show completely, sometimes individual scenes are all that are needed to achieve the goal. Showing scenes allows the class to watch something and discuss it, or write a summary, or some other kind of assessment to measure the learning goal. YouTube is a great resource to find short clips that can be used in class. Last year my US History class was studying the culture of the 1970s. I found a seven minute clip from All In The Family with Sammy Davis Jr. We had a great discussion after about race relations in the 1970s and the differences between television then and now. There are other subscription websites such as United Streaming from The Discovery Channel that have lots of complete and partial clips that are linked to state requirements.

The use of videos, either complete or in clips, is a useful tool in addressing different learning styles. Visual learners can get a more complete understanding of events by seeing them instead of reading alone. Even students that are good readers and note takers enjoy different ways to learn.

Films and videos are a great way to help students develop analytical skills. Students can research a topic and evaluate the accuracy of the film. A movie such as Thirteen Days has lots of good information but also has a lot of historical license that the students can look for and evaluate. Students can discuss why movies are not entirely accurate, whether the way the film addresses the history changes the history or makes the film less valuable.

Films can also be a great way to cover topics that may other wise not be covered in text books or in class. One of the most used films in history classes is Glory. The story of the Massachusetts 54th Regiment could easily be ignored when studying the Civil War, but it is now a staple in almost all US History classes.

There are many different kinds of films that can be used in a history class. Students prefer theatrical movies because they are entertaining and usually easy to follow. There are some outstanding documentaries as well as reenactments that are both informative and entertaining.

Remember that fims and videos are tools for learning just like text books, the internet and many other tools used by teachers. When over done and used poorly films can be as ineffective as the worst lecture, but when used well films are a powerful learning tool.