How to Use a Movie to Teach
Movies can be a great teaching tool for teachers. Instead of being a space filler, a movie can reach students in a way a class lecture can't. With so many movies available to the public, you will find a film to fit any subject or curriculum. If followed by an interactive group discussion, students will gain more than entertainment from watching the movie in class.
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Instructions
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Choose a movie that is appropriate and fits the curriculum. Documentaries offer an enriching educational experience with interviews and other firsthand accounts. Many science experiments and ideas are covered in episodes of "Bill Nye the Science Guy." Some channels like PBS, the Discovery Channel, the History Channel and similar stations have many educational programs that are appropriate for the classroom.
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Choose a movie that fits your timetable. For longer movies, you may have to show it in parts over the course of a few days. Make sure you will have enough time in the schedule to finish the movie. Documentaries and television episodes can usually be viewed in one class period, but you may want to break it up to allow for questions and discussions.
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Discuss the movie with the class. Review the basic ideas of the movie and point out the ideas that apply to the class. Compare a book you've been reading in class to the movie version. Point out changes that were made in order to adapt it for the screen. Also discuss major plot points, character changes and pivotal scenes.
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Ask students to take notes during the movie. Afterwards, ask the students questions about the movie or give a quiz. If they take notes during the film, they're more likely to pay attention.
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Tips & Warnings
Local and school libraries carry some documentaries and educational videos.
Some school districts require that you seek administrative approval before showing a movie in class.
