Advances in digital technology have broadened access to films and television programs. According to the KFF, youths spend 3 hours 51 minutes a day watching television. The study concluded that youngsters spend 152 hours per year watching movies alone! Other forms of media account for the remaining 3.5 hours a day. These numbers are alarming because some movies include themes of violence and nudity. But most films incorporate positive themes and offer learning experiences for the viewer. Some schools have after-school programs that use movies to boost learning skills. This fact suggests that a motion picture can achieve more than entertain. Here is how they improve learning.
How Movies Can Improve your Learning Skills
Films Sharpen Language Skills
Language is the foundation of all communication, and thus it affects learning. Observing the performances of actors can enhance your speech and writing of a specific language. Fluent speech and writing are fundamental to education success. Often, instructors ask learners to make a video presentation. These assignments can be challenging for international students. Such students can sharpen their language skills over time by watching films. Then again, finding homework help can save you much time. If you are on a budget, look up for the reliable price for essay writing services before placing an order. This way, you achieve your academic goals and enjoy your favorite television show.
Enhances Reading and Comprehension
Closed-captioned movies motivate learners to improve their reading. More Hollywood directors are now adapting notable literature books into films. So, students can now enjoy watching the characters of their favorite books come to life. In the process, they learn to read and understand the text. An excellent novel adaptation and movie for learning is Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin. This remarkable novel became a popular TV show around the globe. Thousands of viewers from non-English speaking countries report improving their literacy skills. Try comparing the film to the book. Follow these steps.
- Create a chart of characters from the book and film
- Consider your perceptions that changed after watching the movie. Write them down.
- Note distinctions between the two
Movie night in Little Bucharest.
Films Motivate Learners
Educators describe motivation as the willingness of a student to learn. Evidence suggests that various factors influence learner motivation. Some of these critical factors include the learner environment and experiences. An educator can alter the student’s environment through films. It is no secret that the significance of movies extends to learner behavior. Parents now recognize this truth. As a result, they persuade their children to watch educational films. But the key is in selecting a movie that incorporates positive themes. Parents should take the time to choose movies for college students. The Motion Pictures Association guides them through their film ratings.
Students Get a Visual Context
Students have different learning styles and needs. Some are auditory, while others are kinesthetic or visual learners. Individuals with a visual learning style think in pictures and detail. Such people have vivid imaginations and benefit from motion pictures. But, films also challenge them to be patient and employ active listening. For a visual learner, a movie improves their understanding. One gets to read facial expressions and verbal cues.
They Offer Affective and Cognitive Experiences
Carleton’s Resource Center suggests that films can provoke discussions among viewers. This fact is actual for movies with emotional themes. Often, such discussions launch self-assessment among learners. Individuals begin evaluating their values. If the movie content is positive, learners have improved attitudes and behavior. Sometimes, your instructor can ask you to write a self-reflection paper. Often, the homework requires you to reflect on experiences, a course, or a film. These sorts of assignments intend to launch affective and cognitive experiences. A simple search on an essay database can be helpful. But for movies to offer affective and cognitive experience, consider the following
- The interests of the student- do they include watching?
- What problem areas do they have?
- What emotional skills does the student need to develop at their age?
Hones Analytical Skills
Films provide students with a chance to use their classroom concepts for analysis. Sometimes, the audience can become the best critics or reviewers. For example, consider a student studying film technology. Such an individual can identify the mistakes in a film’s cinematic effects, plot, among others. These learners get to apply their analytical skills in their discussions. With time they develop to become professional editors. Other times, your teacher can ask you to complete an essay about a movie. In such situations, the instructor is trying to improve your analytical skills.
Understanding Complex Ideas
Some educational concepts and ideas are challenging. But, short films that describe these ideas make learning easier. Often, educators demand students to consume much information in a short while. Also, short deadlines on homework can be frustrating for some students. The result is that these learners lose their willingness and readiness to study. Many curriculum developers have noticed how videos make work easier. Related films engage the students and improve their understanding. Then again, not understanding educational concepts even when in film format is usual. Many students report the difficulty of some science topics. In such an instance, one can buy essay from an online writing service. Learners have different abilities and needs. Sometimes, one must identify their strengths and work on their weaknesses. This approach guarantees that there are no complex ideas that give you a headache. Yet for most students, movies do the trick.
The Student Experiences Multiple Cultures
Through movies, one looks beyond their culture. They get to experience the ideas and concepts of others from different backgrounds. So, by understanding other cultures, one understands that racial stereotypes are wrong. In a way, films shape the child’s values and principles. Such a child can embrace diversity and understand how to live with others. Movies that embrace equality and diversity teach students the significance of teamwork. Collaboration is a life-long skill that contributes to their academic and life success. That’s why directors must strive to improve movies and educators in selecting them.
Forget about the notion that films are a cause of distraction. It is false to claim that films take away the imagination that books bring. Instead, they bring the reader’s imagination to life. Movies are more than an educational tool. They are instruments of inspiration. Instead of discouraging youngsters from watching, we can help them select quality movies. These are the ones that portray positive themes and have an excellent rating. So, quality films must go beyond their role of teaching the youth. They must inspire young people around the world to join in creating positive movies. Rather than separating reading books from watching movies, let us do them together.