Films are the most influential art form of the 20th century. Documentaries and films can bring the world to students in very real ways. Films do not have any universal boundaries and help expand one’s world. They introduce values, struggles, innovations, and beliefs beyond our daily experiences.
Cinema in curriculum
Incorporating cinema into the curriculum can have numerous benefits. Introducing films can make learning more engaging for students from various disciplines. It helps learners retain subject interest, enhances creativity, imagination, and enriches language skills. Incorporating cinema targets learners to use multiple intelligences like visual, interpersonal, and musical.
Integrating cinema into the curriculum: a gateway to enhanced learning
The various benefits of integrating cinema are discussed below:
Cultural awareness and understanding: Through films, we can feel connected to different cultures and understand them without experiencing them in reality. Films portray diverse cultures, lifestyles, and issues, which can be employed to educate children.
Historical context and events: Many good movies have been made that narrate historical events. Children do not take much interest in history unless it is taught innovatively. Such movies can be used as a good tool to inculcate a love for the past and understand its effects on our present and future.
Visual literacy and critical thinking: Films stimulate critical thinking and analysis. There are many thought-provoking movies that can be shown to children, followed by discussions where they present their views on the plot or the story's ending. This process leads to better thinking and expression in students.
Social issues and empathy: Films have the power to immerse viewers in deep thoughts, raising social awareness and empathy for the world they live in.
Emotional intelligence and empowerment: Movies can change one‘s perspective towards life. They help inspire people to achieve great things and can have a profound impact on lives.
Strategies using films to enhance student engagement and understanding
Film screening and discussion: Films can be shown in the classroom, followed by discussions on the most relevant parts. Children can be guided to discuss the plot, theme, and characters.
Film analysis assignment: Assignments based on movie analysis help children develop their ideas about different aspects of a film. The broader perspective of the analysis is to strengthen their imagination and creativity and innovate new ideas.
Cross-curricular connections: The interrelation of various disciplines in education can be achieved by incorporating films into the curriculum. This helps in understanding the relation between subjects like language, history, arts, literature, and science.
Developing lesson plans that incorporate cinematic elements
Lesson plans can be prepared where movies are the main tool for learning. Introduce students to storyboards and think about creating a story to film in a future lesson. Including guest speakers and film experts can add variety to classroom routines and provide access to perspectives the learners may be unaware of. Projects on film production can be included, where children make short films as part of the project. This encourages students to bring out their ideas, work together in groups, and learn more from their surroundings.
The impact that cinema can have on an individual is diverse and significant. Good films have brought about huge changes in individuals and society. Integrating cinema into the school curriculum can have myriad benefits. Through cinema, teachers can enhance the teaching-learning experience and enrich education.
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