Film Club Tutorial

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the Film Club feature from The New York Times Learning Network. It provides educators and students with short documentary films and discussion questions to enhance learning experiences. By following these steps, you’ll learn how to effectively utilize this resource in your classroom.

Step 1: Access the Film Club Feature

• Go to the Film Club section on The New York Times Learning Network website.
• Explore the collection of short documentary films, most of which are under 10 minutes.
• You can find the current and past films along with their related discussion questions.

Step 2: Integrate Films into Your Curriculum

• Choose a film that aligns with your subject area or current topics of study.
• Consider the following questions to facilitate discussion:
  • What is the main message of the film?
  • How does this film relate to what we are currently learning?
  • What emotions or thoughts did the film evoke in you?

Step 3: Prepare Discussion Questions

• Utilize the provided discussion questions or create your own based on the film's content.
• Focus on open-ended questions to encourage critical thinking and participation.
• Examples of discussion prompts:
  • How would you describe the filmmaker's perspective?
  • What are the implications of the issues presented in the film?

Step 4: Facilitate Classroom Discussion

• Encourage students to share their thoughts and reflections on the film.
• Create a respectful environment where everyone feels comfortable expressing their opinions.
• Use follow-up questions to deepen the conversation and explore different viewpoints.

Step 5: Assign Related Activities

• Develop assignments or projects based on the film's themes.
• Consider options like:
  • Writing a reflective essay on the film.
  • Creating a presentation on related topics.
  • Engaging in a group project that explores the film's subject matter more deeply.

Conclusion

The Film Club feature is a valuable resource for educators and students, providing engaging content that enhances learning. By following these steps, you can effectively integrate short films into your curriculum, foster meaningful discussions, and encourage critical thinking among your students. Explore the films available, prepare thoughtful discussions, and inspire your classroom with real-world issues.