In order to explore how films are currently discussed and screened by the Education Department at Wellesley College, I send out a survey to students who had taken at least one education class in the past. I wanted to learn about how films are used to further the knowledge of education studies as well as, how films are discussed as an educational tool in teacher education spaces.
Film in an Education Studies Context
How have these films shaped your understanding of education studies?
These films where all very eye-opening and helped bring my studies to life, especially before my student teaching placements.
Education students who responded to this question mostly seemed to see the purpose of viewing films for education classes as something which allows them to gain understanding of the experiences of marginalized students.
It helped me understand the fight for nuanced curriculum in schools and the experiences of students of color in schools that deny the importance of culturally aware education.
Film in a Teacher Training context
Please share how visual media has been presented as an educational tool in your classes
In one of my classes we talked a little about how introducing classes with a very short (like under 5 min) video can be a great way to spark engagement with the lesson material
What do you think makes good educational media or films?
There must be a deliberate attempt on behalf of the filmmakers to not turn their subjects into a spectacle; there should be a lot of communication with and direct involvement of these community members in the direction of the film, how communities are portrayed, etc. It shouldn’t feel like we are attempting to be entertained by the conflicts of the subjects’ lives, but instead being welcomed into a narrative told by those most affected or involved.
Respondents thought that films that prioritized highlighting the nuanced experiences of students in a way that is reliable and honest made the best educational films. This even applies to fictional films that kids would enjoy.
I love all the documentaries that I have viewed. I find that even if it is a topic that I know nothing about or haven’t previously had an interest in, these films have been incredibly impactful for me and have created a lot of passion in me because of hearing the student and teacher voices. As for fictional (like Wonder), movies that reflect the experiences of students and are realistic are fantastic and can make the viewer feel seen.
Do you have concerns about the usage of film and visual media in the classroom? If so, what are they?
I have a lot of concerns about using long form films in the classroom – I think it can kill engagement (kids fall asleep), it drags out a lesson to several days (usually class periods are ~ 45 min), and it’s important to stay on top of standards (there is a TON of content to cover per year and I feel like using films often would be a very inefficient way to teach).
Students seemed to have 2 major concerns about films being shown in classrooms. First of all, Long films leave little class time for discussions of the content and kids frequently lose attention and fall asleep. Second, films can have biases and must be planned alongside material that allows for discussion and alternative viewpoints.
Yes, sometimes they are very biased and present one-sided stories. In those cases, I think it’s important to note that and have open discussion after viewing the film. Potentially show a film that showcases alternate viewpoints on the same topic.
Final Thoughts
This survey focused heavily on students thoughts regarding education through films and how to apply films in an educational setting. I think that looking at all this data together shows how Education students at Wellesley have created an alternative public sphere that revolves around documentary film. Many students have watched the same films and think that engaging in discussions around these films is extremely important.
Films viewed by Education students
Films mentioned that do not have movie posters include: Central Park East documentary, A Year at Mission Hill, and Growing Fairness
