Imaginative Bridges Between Film and Teaching

An important lesson that educators can learn from film makers is the involvement of multiple senses to create a compelling experience. In Chapter 3 of The Preparation Before the Shooting, Rabiger mentions “participants describing past events or inner feelings make less impact than when we see them actually living through the experience itself.” How often are we taught through auditory explanation of what occurred historically rather than viewing or having a similar experience. It may call from more creativity in lesson planning, but there are many benefits that could come from creating more compelling experiences.

Another thought that came to mind as I read and contemplated what educators could gain from the film industry is the idea of suspense and interest. Film trailers take the highlights of an upcoming film and grab the viewers attention. They have experienced a small piece of what is to come and it is intended to leave them wanting more. It lead me to question “What could I do build suspense in my classroom?” or “Are my introductions to upcoming lessons leaving them wanting to learn more?”. Could we incorporate trailers as an attention grabber?

Rabiger, M. The preparation before the shooting. From Directing the Documentary. Chap3 (part 1).