The use of film in education...

I, myself, have never seen film being used effectively in education. Usually, it is seen as something just used in wet play, or as a time filler for teachers.
So it is interesting to see how film can be used effectively in education today.
 
Today, children as young as age one can use an iPad. They live in a world that is so engaging and hands on, it would be the right thing to introduce some of the world they live in into the classroom.
Parry, B (2014) explains in her article the need to 'connect home and school experiences'. If a child comes from a home where reading is not the norm, but watching a film is, surely they would work better doing what they know. She found in her research that children have a strong understanding of media language and narrative. Their strengths should be used to further expand their skills. Using a film that they can relate to is especially useful (Parry, 2014).
Parry, B (2014) also found the activities used in her research successfully promoted inclusion.
This is something that really fascinated me, and is something I have thought about.
I looked at an article by Karaolis, O (2009). She explored the effect that film had on children with autism. The film they explored was called 'Honey Bee', a silent black and white film that the children made and worked on themselves. She explains how creative expression are 'important part of people's lives' (Karaolis, 2009), and through this creative expression, children can better understand themselves and each other. Through drama, children comminicate better, because it is a different and fresh way of communicating.

Research has shown how film encourages children to be critical in how they think, because they have the strong understanding of media language and narrative.
It is also an oppertunity to explore other cultures and genres, for example: black/white films, or bollywood.
It also gives children the chance to be creative in their outcome.
Also, similar to other approaches to creative learning, film is about active learning. Children are learning through doing, much like the Leonardo Effect and the Mantle of the Expert. To explore these ideas further, please click on the links MoT and the LeonardoEffect  

Exploring Film Education
  

 http://www.filmeducation.org/
 
I think it is amazing how children can learn by exploring their favourite films.
They develop skills such as team work, communication skills, language, speaking and listening.  
I did some work on The Lovely Bones.

 
 

Although I enjoyed discussing the various themes and symbolism that is seen throughout the film, it was interesting to talk about the emotions I might be able to feel in the characters position.
I feel that today in schools, children being able to feel comfortable about talking about the emotions that they feel is a working progress, and using film could be a great way to do this.
For example, issues such as bereavement can be discussed in more detail because the film is their talking point, children may feel more comfortable to talk about their emotions than they would otherwise.
 
Reference

KARAOLIS, O. Children with Autism. Honey Bee, LA, v. 39, p. 38-39, March 2009.