Why it works
Working with a documentary as a primary text or learning resource helps teachers develop in young people critical and independent thinking.
Clips from feature-length films can be used to introduce a new subject, illustrate an idea or spark debate. This dynamic and engaging teaching method is an effective way to develop key skills amongst secondary school students, while equipping them with the empathy, understanding and agency to navigate some of the most pressing issues of our time.
Students respond powerfully to real life stories and positive role models, learning through identification and others’ stories.
Documentary is particularly effective at engaging students across a wide spectrum of ability. It is a widely accessible stimulus that can truly challenge and unite a classroom of students.
"Hearing the students debate the difference between Dr. MLK and Malcolm X's approaches to achieving civil rights after our lesson using I Am Not Your Negro, was a really interesting experience for me. My students have very diverse backgrounds and varying levels of passion in regard to how these human rights should be achieved. They were all respectful and truly engaged!"
Leah,
teacher
"(Too) many teachers use the same curriculum as we had twenty years ago, and now we have different learners...This is a screen generation, documentaries are the best way to reach them"
Alissa,
teacher
"The cultural conflict we see in Dalya’s Other Country, that was part of my students lives. Seeing the trauma and how that impacted their psyche, it generated a lot of emotion for my students. It also further dispelled myths about the criminal refugee."
Julie,
teacher
