Teaching Film/Editing Techniques in the Classroom

Introduction: I would introduce the idea of techniques used in film and editing by putting together a collection of scenes from films and TV shows students are familiar with that make strong, purposeful use of the different types of techniques and share that with them in class. I could use a basic KWL chart or I could create a set of questions to be used as discussion prompts in class; Either option would get students to start thinking about the topic.

Terms: I would then go over the terms in class with the students. I would most likely create a power point that had the written definitions as well as links to videos that contained examples of the terms. I could then have students do a Think-Pair-Share, where they thought about films or shows they know that use the different techniques, pair with a partner to discuss their ideas, and then share their ideas with the class in a quick report out.

Guided practice: Once we established the vocabulary, I would lead the students through several examples analyses of different scenes. Once I felt they grasped the concepts, I would assign a group or individual project similar to what we had to do: an analysis of a scene from a TV show or movie. If they were in groups, I would have them present their analysis orally to the class. If they were working on their own, I would ask them to write up their analysis either in Word or in a blog if we were using blogs.

Independent practice: This would be similar to our shot-by-shot analysis of a commercial assignment.

Assessment: I’m borrowing this idea from Beach because I really liked it. I would have students create their own film adaptations, using short stories or narrative poems as their source material. Students would be required to script their production, as well as create a detailed storyboard that identified all the techniques they used. Additionally, I would require them to submit a written reflection where they reflected on their purposes for the choices they made. I might then publish their videos on a secure district server and invite other teachers, administrators, and parents to view them.