The Role of Movies in Education: Enhancing Learning and

Engagement
In the modern age we live in now, movies are an important part of our lives. They make us
laugh, feel good, and even teach us something. Visual stories have a power that can’t be beaten,
and teachers have started using movies as a way to improve learning and keep students interested
in the classroom. This piece looks at the many ways that movies can be a big part of education
and help students learn in a way that is both active and immersive.
How a student can free up time from studying to watch movies
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How movies are used in education to improve learning and keep students interested
Movies have a unique mix of sights and sounds that grab our attention and stay with us for a long
time. Adding movies to the curriculum can help students learn much more and keep their
attention in a way that is hard to do with regular teaching methods.
Making hard ideas easier to understand
Movies can break down hard ideas and make them easier for students to understand. Visuals and
stories can be used together to explain abstract ideas, historical events, scientific facts, and
literary themes. For example, watching a movie like “The Theory of Everything” can help
students understand complicated scientific ideas like the rules of physics and the idea of time
better.
Getting people to understand and care about other cultures
Movies give students a look into different cultures, societies, and points of view, which helps
them develop a wider view of the world. Students can learn more about different cultures,
traditions, and social problems by watching movies that show people from different
backgrounds. This makes students more empathetic, tolerant, and appreciative of differences,
which makes for a more inclusive and peaceful learning atmosphere.
Getting better at critical thinking and analysis
Movies often have complicated plots that require you to think critically and analyze to fully
understand. As students interact with the movie’s plot, characters, and ideas, they are asked to
think critically, figure out what caused what, and find links between different parts. This process
improves their ability to solve problems and gives them a more detailed view of the subject.
Starting talks and arguments
Movies can get people talking and debating about important things in the classroom. After
watching a movie that makes them think, students can have active discussions, share their
thoughts, and argue about different parts of the movie. This not only helps them communicate
better but also gets them to think more seriously and find good ways to say what they think.
Getting people to be creative and imaginative
Students’ imaginations and creativity are sparked by movies because they show interesting
scenes, unique characters, and creative plots. As students get into the world of the movie, they
are moved to think creatively, try out new ideas, and even come up with their own stories. This
creative stimulation helps students improve their minds as a whole and makes it easier for them
to think outside the box.
Giving real-world examples
Movies often show scenes from real life, past events, and problems in society. By watching
movies that show these kinds of situations, students can better understand how what they are
learning can be used in the real world. For instance, a historical play like “Schindler’s List” can
give students a vivid picture of World War II and the Holocaust. This helps them connect what
they’ve learned in the classroom to what they’ve seen and done in real life.
Conclusion
Movies have the ability to change the way people learn and get involved in the classroom.
Movies are a powerful way for students to connect with a topic on a deeper level. They can make
hard ideas easier to understand and promote cultural awareness and empathy. By adding movies
to the curriculum and using them in a smart way, teachers can create a dynamic and immersive
learning environment that encourages critical thinking, imagination, and a love of learning that
lasts a lifetime.

The Importance of Using Video Content in Education

From music videos to commercials and even movies, there’s no end to the number of visual
content we consume daily. Previously, this exposure to video content was limited to places like
the mall, cinemas, and our homes. However, most classrooms in this modern era are riding the
video wave.
Although some may argue that showing movies or video content in classrooms can be
distracting, studies have shown that this new trend has several educational benefits. It creates an
exciting, unconventional mode of teaching and is suited to the lifestyle of modern learners.

What Kind of Video Content Can You Use in Education?

When it comes to using video content in the classroom, educators can select from a wide range
of options, including:

1. TED Talks

TED Talks can be beneficial in the classroom, especially if you’re trying to establish a classroom
culture or teach the value of a subject. For instance, you could spark an interest in essay writing
by showing your students a TED Talk centered on the importance of hiring a writing service
like essay service.

An excellent example of an educational TED talk is Angela Zhang’s TED talk on science and
math which demonstrates the potential of STEM subjects.

2. Movies (Films)

As a teacher or administrator, movies can be a great way to pass your message across or make a
topic more relatable to students. For instance, a movie like Sarafina can paint a clear picture of
the Apartheid society in South Africa. As a result, students won’t have to rely solely on texts
from history books to understand the events of that era.

However, when using movies in History classes, it’s crucial to analyze your choice before
presenting it to students thoroughly. Some movies paint inaccurate depictions of historical events
and end up exposing students to false historical data.

3. TV Shows

Although TV shows may seem too informal for the school environment, they also have their
place in the classroom. Language teachers can help students grasp the language faster by putting
on TV shows where characters speak the target language. Shows like Friends and Full House are
popular among English language learners.

You can play short clips where characters use simple and complex sentence structures to help
students learn how to use these structures in everyday conversation. This will be far more
beneficial to them than the stiff approach to learning that most language classes utilize.

4. Documentaries
Modern documentaries often fit right into the classroom environment, regardless of the topic or
subject. For instance, documentaries on survival instincts in wildlife can be a great addition to
any Biology class. To make it more interactive, you could even ask students to talk about their
observations from the documentary.

6. Live Shows

A live show just might be the game-changer you need to spice up a Drama or Performing Arts
class. For instance, you can stream live art festivals or dramatic performances for your students
to get a glimpse of what the world of theater is like in real life.

7. Animations

If you’re teaching elementary school students, animations should be an integral part of your
lesson plan. Children tend to learn better and faster from animations (such as cartoons) or fun
games.

Benefits of Using Video Content in Education

Video content serves as excellent educational resources in today’s world. But every media form
offers specific benefits, as mentioned in the previous section. So, here are the overall benefits of
using this modern medium in the classroom:

1. Provides a Better Understanding of Concepts

As a teacher, you’ve most likely had moments when you explained an idea multiple times, but all
you got from your students were blank stares. In these frustrating moments, video content can
bail you out.

For instance, in a drama class, students may not fully understand the concept of a play within a
play, no matter how hard you try to explain it. But when you provide a visual depiction of this
concept, it becomes more practical and understandable. You could also live stream a stage drama
or put on a TV show for them to watch.

2. Helps to Visualize Historical Events

Since students can’t go back in time to see historical events for themselves (at least not yet), they
can only rely on “boring” textbooks and biographies. Unfortunately, not every student has the
patience to read through an entire book that narrates World War II. Even if they do, they have to
rely solely on their imagination and creative abilities to visualize these events.
 However, biographical movies and documentaries provide a clear picture of these historical
events for the students. This way, history class becomes an engaging, interactive lesson instead
of a boring subject that students must endure to gain extra credit.

3. An Excellent Choice for Visual Learners

In most educational systems, visual learners often get left out of the learning process. Since they
mostly learn by seeing images, videos, graphs, and colors, the traditional mode of teaching may
not be ideal for them.

Incorporating video content in education helps you to cater to the needs of visual learners,
ensuring that they don’t feel left out.

4. Enhances the Teaching of Languages How Split Screen Helps Students Learn What,
Why and How They Learn

What is the split screen teaching approach?

I try to summarize my own understanding of what split screen teaching approach is. A split
screen will allow me as a teacher to get students understand the process of how they are going to
learn what they want to learn.

 what they are going to learn (knowledge),

 how they are going to learn (skills),
 how the learning will be affected by their attitudes/behaviour (Learner Profile and attitudes)

How do I introduce this strategy in my class?

I have been trying to implement this in my class for the last two weeks. I myself have to commit
(instead of going back and sharing it orally or write something on the board). I should get them
think of how they should connect different aspects which may affect how they learn.

I started by using a topic which they are going to learn.

The current unit of inquiry is ‘How We Express Ourselves’ with central idea ‘Stories can engage
their audiences and communicate meaning.’ As a stand-alone language lesson, the students were
introduced similes and metaphors. This is the first time, they were introduced to what similes
and metaphors are.
Before I dragged their attention to the split screen strategy, they watched a video which
stimulated their thinking and asked them to recognize how writers use language to express their
ideas/feelings/etc.

What are we learning about?

Similes and metaphors

What are we learning to be? As you learn about similes and metaphors, which attributes/attitudes
are you encouraged to show?

To be a thinker as we should think of words that we can use to compare in similes and
metaphors.

To be a communicator to express our ideas in writing and speaking.

To be creative as we should think of words which can make them sound interesting.

Ok then, when we would like to learn about similes and metaphors, what skills should we use in
order to understand what we want to learn? Which skills are we learning to use?

Their attentions were dragged to the transdiciplinary skills which they are getting familiar with.
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I think we are using thinking skills. We should learn to understand, listen and think how it can be
used.

It took a while to get them thinking and realize how all the ‘words’ which they have been hearing
are actually working together to help them learn and be better learner.

They slowly get the idea of how the split screen helps them understand how they learn.

What we are learning about?

Division

What are we learning to be?

Thinker – we should connect to multiplication to do division

Commitment – we should not give up easily when we get stuck in the middle of a problem.

Inquirer – We should find the way and use different strategies to solve a problem.

What are we learning to use?

Thinking skills – We are making connections to multiplication. We are thinking of which

strategy will work to solve a problem.

As we’ve been doing this every day, every time we start learning, the students have been able to
explain more on what and how they learn.

Is that enough?

I think as I read the book and other articles about split screen, my next goal would be
integrating concept into this approach.

Kath Murdoch in her book said, ‘In keeping with an inquiry-based mindset, learning intentions
can be formulated as questions rather than questions or statements. ‘

This is definitely something that I would explore in the coming weeks. What we are learning
about, what we are learning to be, what we are learning to use will be phrased differently in order
to get students inquire more ways to understand a concept instead of a topic. Of course, this
needs to be introduced step by step. I may share how this would be developed in the coming

weeks. This is also a part of my inquiry into learning how students learn.

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and commitment. It does require students to think and reflect about their learning. And helping
them understand how they lear what they want to learn is something that will lead them to be
lifelong learners.

How Teachers Can Use Documentary Films to Teach Students

Introduction
One of the most powerful modes of communication in existence today is the medium of
multimedia. Making students understand basic concepts in education is very important to the
way in which they perceive education in general. Getting information through to the students is
a skill that every teacher must possess, and for this, they need to employ every method
necessary to do so. One of those methods is documentary films. This brings us to the question
‘what is a documentary?’, or to get even more specific, ‘what is a documentary to a student?’

What is a Documentary?
A documentary can be defined as a work of non-fiction captured in the form of video, created
specifically for the purpose of documenting reality, mainly for the purposes of instruction,
education, or maintaining a historical record. Early documentary films, originally known as
‘actuality films’, used to only last for one minute or less. Over time, they evolved to become
longer in length and include a greater number of categories. Some examples of these categories
include educational, observational, and docufiction. Documentaries are quite informative and
are often used in schools as a means of teaching various principles. It is important to note here
that a documentary filmmaker has the moral responsibility to be truthful to their vision without
intentionally misrepresenting a topic.

What is a Documentary to a Teacher?

The idea of using documentaries in the classroom isn’t new. They have been used by teachers
for a long time now, especially when it comes to the subject of social studies. Here are a few
ways in which documentary films are beneficial to teachers and how they can utilize them:

Source of Information
Teachers are the students’ direct source of information, so getting their facts right is
paramount. Documentary films made on a particular topic offer deep insight into the same,
delving into the history and nuance associated with it. Documentaries serve as a wealth of
information especially when it comes to ultra-specific topics of discussion. Teachers can use
documentaries as a source of information to help them teach their students better with a better
understanding of the subject.

Apply a Storytelling Mode to Teaching

Documentary movies are a great way to learn how to use storytelling as a means of teaching.
Documentaries often have a well-defined structure to them. The filmmaker must have used this
structure to make the delivery of the content as effective as possible, which the teacher can
emulate as is, or by adding their own flair to the mix. The advantages of using storytelling as a
means of teaching are many, and documentaries give teachers a template to work off of in that
respect.
Recommendation as Reference Resource
Teachers can recommend their students to watch documentaries related to the subject that they
are teaching as a means of providing them with additional reference material in case they are
interested in knowing more about the subject in detail. The teacher can reliably recommend
such documentaries to students because they will have all the information the student requires
as well as have the advantage of being properly researched.

What is a Documentary to a Student?

The teacher can use the medium of the documentary movie to help students in the ways
mentioned above, how will that help the students? Here are a few ways in which they can:

A Multi-Modal Approach to Learning

Using documentary movies to put a point across can be quite effective in helping the student
understand the subject much better because it essentially gives them the entire topic in a well-
structured format. Multimedia has the advantage of using audiovisual material to impart
knowledge, which infuses several modes of learning styles into one, helping all kinds of
students simultaneously.

Informative Content
The content provided in a documentary is properly sourced and well-researched, making it a
valuable mode of teaching. It can help students understand the concept being taught without
any difficulty or hiccups.

Third-Party Unbiased Content

As mentioned above, one of the most important things when creating a documentary is that the
content in it should be unbiased and based truly and only on facts. This makes it easy to
recommend as a source of unbiased information that students can use as source material for
their own research.

Conclusion
Documentaries are a great way to bring about a change in the everyday routine of the
classroom. It helps teachers change the monotonous nature of a classroom environment and
spark interest in subjects that they would not have found interesting before that. Changing up
the way in which classes are conducted can really bring about a radical change in the attention
span of the students, and leave them with a hope for more such sessions in the future. This can,
in turn, generate interest in the subject being taught.
Using such techniques is a great way to bring some spice into the mix when it comes to the
classroom environment. Try to make small changes now and then to instill in the students some
excitement which later translates to interest in the subject. Try to add different types of
activities to make the class lively and interesting. School life only lasts for so long, and having
such a communion to study something with the help of visual aid can help students have an
authentic experience of unity among them, giving them something to look back on in the form
of memories.

Using Documentaries as a Teaching Tool: Best Practices for

Educators
Benefits of Using Documentaries in Education

Using documentaries in education provides a variety of benefits. It enhances student learning by

presenting real-life examples and engaging visuals. Documentaries also promote critical
thinking, spark discussion, and help students develop a deeper understanding of complex
subjects. Additionally, they offer a fresh and captivating alternative to traditional teaching
methods.

Benefits of incorporating documentaries in teaching

Incorporating documentaries in teaching offers numerous benefits. They provide real-life

examples and captivating visuals, enhancing student learning. Documentaries also stimulate
critical thinking and promote discussions, allowing students to develop a deeper understanding
of complex subjects. Furthermore, they offer a refreshing alternative to traditional teaching
methods, as recommended by the college essay writing service by EssayHub.

Impact of visual learning on student engagement

Visual learning has a profound impact on student engagement. The use of documentaries
provides students with captivating visuals and real-life examples, making the learning experience
more interactive and memorable. Visuals stimulate students’ senses and help them grasp
complex concepts more easily, leading to increased interest and participation in the classroom.
Additionally, visual learning promotes active learning and critical thinking skills, as students
analyze and interpret the information presented in the documentaries.

Selecting the Right Documentaries for Classroom Use

When selecting documentaries for classroom use, educators should consider the relevance of the
content to the curriculum. The documentaries should align with the learning objectives and
provide accurate and up-to-date information. It is also important to assess the appropriateness of
the content for the age and maturity level of the students.

Criteria for choosing educational documentaries

Educators should consider several criteria when selecting educational documentaries. Firstly,
they should ensure that the content aligns with the learning objectives of the curriculum.
Secondly, the documentary should provide accurate and up-to-date information. Lastly, it is
important to assess the appropriateness of the content for the age and maturity level of the
students.

Popular documentary films for different subjects

There are a wide variety of popular documentary films available for different subjects. For
history, “The Civil War” by Ken Burns or “Eyes on the Prize” are highly recommended.
“Blackfish” and “The Cove” are excellent choices for environmental studies. “March of the
Penguins” and “Planet Earth” are engaging documentaries for biology and ecology. “Food, Inc.”
and “Forks Over Knives” are informative films for health and nutrition. These documentaries
provide valuable context and real-world examples to enhance students’ understanding of various
subjects.

Integrating Documentaries into Lesson Plans

Integrating documentaries into lesson plans allows educators to enhance student learning by
providing engaging and real-world examples. By aligning documentaries with curriculum
objectives, teachers can seamlessly incorporate them into classroom activities and discussions.
This integration maximizes the educational impact of the films and promotes a deeper
understanding of the subject matter.

Methods for integrating documentaries into curriculum

There are several methods that educators can use to integrate documentaries into their
curriculum. One method is to select documentaries that directly align with the learning objectives
and content of the subject being taught. Teachers can then incorporate the film into their lesson
plans by showing relevant portions of the documentary during class time. Another method is to
assign documentaries as homework, allowing students to watch the film outside of class and then
participate in guided discussions or activities the next day.

This method promotes independent learning and allows for more in-depth analysis of the
documentary. Additionally, educators can integrate documentaries into project-based learning
activities, where students use the film as a basis for research, presentations, or creative projects.
This method encourages students to apply their knowledge and skills in a hands-on and
collaborative manner. By utilizing these methods, educators can effectively integrate
documentaries into their curriculum and enhance student learning.

Creating activities to enhance student learning

To enhance student learning, educators can create activities that build upon the content presented
in documentaries. These activities can include group discussions, writing assignments, and
hands-on projects that encourage students to apply their knowledge and engage critically with
the film. By actively involving students in these activities, educators can deepen learning and
foster a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Facilitating Discussion and Critical Thinking

Strategies for facilitating discussions after watching documentaries

After watching a documentary, educators can facilitate meaningful discussions by asking open-
ended questions that encourage students to share their thoughts and perspectives. This can
promote critical thinking and foster a deeper understanding of the film’s content. Educators can
also encourage students to engage in respectful debates and provide evidence to support their
arguments. By creating a safe and inclusive learning environment, educators can ensure that all
students feel comfortable expressing their opinions and engaging in thoughtful discussions.

Strategies for facilitating discussions after watching documentaries

To facilitate discussions after watching documentaries, educators can encourage students to

reflect on their thoughts and perspectives. They should ask open-ended questions that promote
critical thinking and analysis. Additionally, educators can create a safe environment for
respectful debates and provide opportunities for students to support their arguments with
evidence. This enables students to engage in thoughtful discussions and deepen their
understanding of the film’s content.

Promoting critical thinking skills through documentary analysis

Documentary analysis promotes critical thinking skills by encouraging students to examine and
evaluate the information presented in the film. It allows them to analyze different perspectives,
identify biases, and question the validity of the arguments. Through this process, students learn
to think critically, make connections, and form their own opinions based on evidence and
reasoning. By engaging in documentary analysis, students develop essential skills that they can
apply to other areas of their academic and personal lives.

Assessing Student Learning Through Documentaries

When using documentaries as a teaching tool, educators can effectively assess student learning.
Documentaries can be used for both formative and summative assessments, allowing teachers to
gauge student understanding and retention. By incorporating quizzes, discussions, and projects
related to the documentaries, educators can measure the impact of the films on student learning
outcomes. Through these assessments, educators can gain insights into students’ critical thinking
skills, knowledge acquisition, and analysis abilities.

Using documentaries for formative and summative assessments

Documentaries serve as valuable tools for both formative and summative assessments. Educators
can incorporate quizzes, discussions, and projects related to the documentaries to gauge student
understanding and retention. These assessments provide insight into critical thinking skills,
knowledge acquisition, and analysis abilities.

Measuring student understanding and retention

Assessments using documentaries allow educators to gauge student understanding and retention.
Quizzes, discussions, and projects related to the documentaries provide insight into critical
thinking skills, knowledge acquisition, and analysis abilities. These assessment strategies help
educators measure the effectiveness of their teaching and identify areas for improvement.
Educators can use students’ performance in these assessments to provide targeted feedback and
support.

Conclusion

In conclusion, using documentaries as a teaching tool offers numerous benefits for educators. It
enhances student engagement, promotes critical thinking skills, and allows for meaningful
discussions. Assessments using documentaries help measure student understanding and
retention. By incorporating documentaries into their lesson plans and selecting the right films for
each subject, educators can create an enriching and effective learning experience for their
students.

Summary of best practices for educators using documentaries as a

teaching tool

Educators using documentaries as a teaching tool benefit from enhancing student engagement,
promoting critical thinking, selecting the right films, integrating them into lesson plans,
facilitating discussions, and assessing student learning. By following these best practices,
educators can create a dynamic and effective learning experience for their students.

Resources for finding educational documentaries and further reading

There are several resources available to educators for finding educational documentaries.
Websites like PBS Learning Media, Netflix, and Discovery Education provide access to a wide
range of educational films. Educators can also explore online databases such as Kanopy and
Docuseek, which offer a diverse collection of documentaries. Additionally, books and articles on
incorporating documentaries into education can provide further guidance and inspiration for
educators.

Studies have shown that practical exposure to a foreign language can help learners grasp the
language faster. As such, movies can be a great strategy to improve your language class’s
progress.

For instance, if you have a TESOL class, you could help your students learn the English
language by putting on TV shows where the characters are speaking English. This way, they can
understand how the language is used in everyday conversation and life.

Conclusion

From all indications, video content like movies and documentaries can be beneficial to the
classroom experience. Not only are they highly exciting, but they also aid and speed up the
learning process. Thus, teachers and school administrators worldwide should ensure that this new
trend is incorporated into curriculums.

How to Create an Effective Lesson Using Video

Over 65% of students are visual or tactile learners. Even those who are not categorized as visual
learners in the educational sense are visual learners in a very fundamental way. After all, the
human brain is primarily a processor for images.

So choosing the appropriate instructional strategy and combining it with an effective media
format is part of the analysis carried out during your course design process.

Visual Aids in Enhancing the Learning Process

And there’s a significant body of research supporting that utilizing visual stimuli is more
effective. When accompanied by visual cues, information gets far easier to remember and
retrieve. And there are a wide variety of different types of visual tools including illustrations,
pictures, videos, concept maps, graphs, and charts.

The use of video in class is different from other visual tools. The visual and auditory nature of
videos appeals to a wide range of audiences and enables each one to process information in a
way that’s natural to them. And with effectively designed videos, you can grab students’
attention, show authentic examples, and help them process abstract topics more easily.

How to Utilize Videos in Your Class

1. Identify the level of your students.

Evaluate the level of the vast majority in your class according to elementary, intermediate, and
advanced, assess their strong and weak points, and find out their interests/learning requests. This
could be done by your long-term observation or a quiz before the lesson.

2. Determine your essential questions and learning goals.

Like general lesson plans, essential questions and objectives that connect to them are
indispensable. They will help you determine what to show and how to frame it for your class.
Otherwise, the video or other visual materials would become just entertainment.

3. Prepare materials required.

Instructions videos are readily available on the internet, such as TeacherTube, YouTube, and
BrainPop. If you want to spark students’ interest in your topic better, making an original video
absolutely is a better option.

Materials depend on the form of your video – a screencast, a video presentation, or an original
video edited by yourself. But generally, you need a full plan, video scripts, pictures, statistics,
voiceover recordings, source videos, and proper setup in your classroom.
4. Create proper video content.
What we discussed above is about pre-production, then we come to post-production, the crucial
step to tailor the video for your specific teaching needs. Keep in your mind that shorter videos in
more engaging. The maximum length of a video in class is 3 minutes. Meanwhile, you need
obvious visual or auditory cues in your video to make students aware of the purposes.

Some schools have a series of videos from classes with the help of post-production companies.
But you can try to make video presentations on your own with PowerPoint or edit some videos
for your class with free video editing software to cut and merge video clips, add narrations, insert
texts and effects, and so forth.

Reflection and Assessment

How can we make sure students actively watch? Release a mission before playing the video. For
example, “As you watch, pay attention to....” Setting a goal for what they are going to watch will
keep them accountable and attentive. On the other hand, you can let students raise questions
about the video content and spark their interests.

Besides, pausing every few minutes allows students to process what they’re viewing, which is
especially valuable if it’s an information-packed video, or if you are teaching an elementary
grade.

After the reflection, introduce learning activities to students, such as discussion and group work.
And the assessment can be done right after the video or when the whole lesson is over.

Conclusion
A productive lesson is not one in which information is overloaded. Most teachers probably
understand the importance of the diversity of teaching materials but put it into practice
differently. A well-balanced lesson spreads things out across different styles and proceeds at a
proper pace to help students soak up information effectively.