Let's go to the Movies!
Imagine, no longer is it enter the classroom, sit in your same seat for the next 1-2 hours, give or take some minutes, take notation after listening to a lecture and maybe participate, maybe not. Today's classrooms are moving into 21st century pedagogy in which an unused approach called Active Learning. Active learning is student-centered, the educator acts as a guide or facilitator to classroom activity or project lessons. One sort of learning strategy is called Artistic Pedagogical Technologies or APT. This is a global term for using creative instructional technology, for example, visual films, drama, and music to enhance learning (Janzen et al, 2017).
Image Source: Learning in Room 213, 2021
Teaching approaches that range from short, simple journal writing, problem-solving and paired discussions to longer, involved activities or pedagogical frameworks like case studies, role play, and structured team-based learning (University of Minnesota, access date 9/18/24), are moving into the 21st Century pedagogy classrooms. A class that has successful active learning methods, provides an opportunity for all students to positively engage in the course instruction and practice skills for learning, applying, synthesizing, or summarizing new material. Other names under the APT umbrella term may be Activity-based learning, (ABL), Project-based Learning (PBL) or Movie-based learning (MBL) as just one of the many approaches to practice this way of teaching and learning. MBT or movie-based learning, uses imagination and film, this combination fosters the development of critical thinking, diverse new ideas and social justice (Cromarty et al, 2017).
Movie-based Learning supports active learning by performing as a highly student-directed or centered environment. The students primarily work in groups or may be paired to complete an assignment. MBL inspires students to self-identify with characters and events making learning culturally relevant and meaningful, they develop a more profound concept of self, increased understanding of classmates perspectives, more empathy about human differences, build a respect for alternative ideas and issues of social justice (Cromarty et al, 2022). A couple examples of activities to do post viewing a carefully chosen movie, as described by RedClay, et al, may include:
Mock Interviews:
Students can work together in groups of two to write and perform a mock interview in which one plays a character in the film and the other takes on the role of the interviewer. The answers should reveal the values of the character.
Debates:
Many films offer controversial social or political ideas which can easily become the topic of vigorous debate. Students can be divided into teams to support or oppose an idea presented by the film.
The Great Divide Separate the class into two groups representing sides taken on a particular issue. Students in support of the point should sit together facing those opposed to the point. Students should use the rules of Accountable Talk to argue their positions. Accountable Talk requires that students listen carefully and adhere to a code for responses to one another’s words. Each respondent must begin his or her point with phrases such as:
I hear what you are saying, but . . .
Your point is good; however, I want to say . . .
I’m unclear about what you mean . . .
Granted, your point has validity; however, consider . . .
I understand what you are saying; however, the facts are . . .
Students may not resort to name calling or any other insults and must back up their points with reference to the work being discussed. When students hear points that cause them to change their minds, they must get up and take a seat on the other side. Often, an entire class will become convinced of one position and all seats will be moved to one side of the room. (RedClay and Frieden, date accessed September 16, 2024).
According to Vygotsky, a Russian psychologist who studied and believed that cognitive development is influenced by cultural and social factors (simplypsychology.org). To Vygotsky, imagination gradually through learning experiences, as a child gains new cultural tools, which turns into adolescent imagination and eventually into the productivity of adult imagination (Cromarty, 2022). Kushnir (2022) and Seligman et al (2013) proclaim that imagination is transformative because it generates new ideas from old knowledge and assists in seeing new possibilities.
I love movies, next best thing to a good book. I have often thought how powerful and impactful some movies can be to people. Some movies may even drive individuals to make a life decision-making change. As an aspiring Librarian, MBL could be utilized as a lesson, from book to movie to real-life classroom conversations and learning. Kotyan (2020) summarizes movie-based learning with this quote:
"Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn." ~ Benjamin Franklin.
You may also, "Stay Gold, Johnny." ~ Ponyboy Curtis
Image Source: Barnes & Noble
Works Cited
Cromarty, E. (2017). An educational historical narrative study of visualization in the progressive
art pedagogy of Lowenfeld (Publication No. 10633803) [Doctoral dissertation,
Northeastern University]. ProQuest.
Cromarty, E., Young, M. A., & Elias, S. (2022). Teaching and designing culturally responsive
experiences using cross-media film in higher education. Journal for Research Initiatives,
6(3). Fayetteville State University (UNCFSU), (Original publication in The
Interdisciplinary Journal of Advances in Research in Education (IJARE), 4(2), 1–13. The
Ohio State University) https://digitalcommons.uncfsu.edu/jri/
Janzen, K. J., Perry, B., & Edwards, M. (2017). Building blocks: Enmeshing technology and
creativity with artistic pedagogical technologies. Turkish Online Journal of Distance
Education, 18(1), 4-21. ISSN: 1302-6488
Kotyan, Hithakshi. March 7, 2020. "The 'One' Method to Attract Learners in the Classroom." eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/movie-based-learning-engage-employees
RedClay, Mary and Frieden, James. "Teach With Movies, Lights. Camera. Learn!" Teachwithmovies.org . Date accessed September 16, 2024. https://teachwithmovies.org/assignments-projects-and-activities-for-use-with-any-film-that-is-a-work-of-fiction/#
Hello Nicole,
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of a Flipped Classroom and liked that you included the video for further explanation. I wish my teachers used movie-based learning! This is such an engaging concept considering how important movies are to kids. I can't tell you how many movies I was shown in school with no authentic assessment other than a worksheet. I can imagine all the fun and engaging activities a teacher can create with movie-based learning. Thank you for introducing me to more active learning strategies.