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How film can enhance learning

A few words from Ron Smith on how film can enhance learning:

‘Why use film in the classroom? Because we live in an image-oriented society – the visual is real in a way that the written word might not seem to be; seeing is believing. Visual representations can provide students with an educational taxonomy that helps them "see" learning outcomes.

‘Teaching cinema studies has enabled me to expose students to the theoretical influences of film and, perhaps more importantly, to investigate the relationship between film criticism and film. It is an approach that I believe is ideally suited to meet the many learning objectives of this textbook.

‘Film narratives provide useful examples of organizational behaviour concepts that are sometimes difficult both for books and for lecturers to convey. Films connect with learners in a number of ways. They engage emotions and, crucially, they serve as links between concepts and knowledge. They become a visual conduit, creating their own visual geography, transporting students through boundaries of space and time, turning somewhat abstract concepts into tangible subjects open for both discussion and debate.

‘I have selected the films in this guide to engage and enhance the learning experience for your students, for their enjoyment and for your reference and use in the classroom.

‘I would welcome any feedback on my selection of films and any suggestions for further ways of using film in teaching organizational behaviour. If you would like to get in touch, click here to send me an email.’