Teaching and Filmmaking

Upon first reflection it seems difficult to decipher any imaginative bridges between filmmaking and teaching, but after careful consideration, I realized that there is an interesting link between the two. For example, in filmmaking there is an ultimate goal. The goal is tell a story in such a manner that viewers will understand its overall meaning. In teaching there is also an ultimate goal. The goal is to take a subject and teach it in such a manner that there is eventually a successful transfer of learning. There are several things that teachers can learn from the art of filmmaking. Filmmakers have the ability to convey a story with enthralling scenes. These scenes can be particularly humorous, mysterious, scary, or surprising. They serve as the catalyst to understanding the story (or message) they are trying to convey.  Teachers can benefit from studying this talent that filmmakers have.  They can work to discover new ways to present content in innovative lessons that will lead to a more thorough understanding of the subject matter they are teaching. 

It’s equally interesting to note how teaching and filmmaking are sometimes presented in a collaborative effort.  This happens when the subject of the film is teaching and when education is the “star” of a film, there are often valuable lessons to be learned. Such is the case in the clip below: