Using Film in the Classroom

Teachers have used books since formal teaching began, but the current use of digital technology means that the definition of a “text” has changed.  We can now use film in the same way that we have used books.  We can teach comprehension, character study, plot analysis, moral values, cultural diversity, grammar and story, in other words, LITERACY, through film.  There are also opportunities to use it for maths, modern languages, science, art and technology.

Watch the film below to see an example of a lesson using film with young children.  Note how the teacher is able to bring the pupil’s attention to their own learning.

Also note that it is important that the answers given by the children cannot be “wrong” because they are able to justify their responses.

In the following video clip, Meggan Macrae talks about her experience of using film in the classroom.

There are some superb websites already, these websites have everything you need to provide literacy lessons using film:

Screening Shorts – http://www.screeningshorts.org.uk/

British Film Institute – http://www.bfi.org.uk/education-research/education/education-resources

MediaEd – http://mediaed.org.uk/

Learnaboutfilm.com – http://learnaboutfilm.com/