Film is a unique “hook” that has the opportunity to actively engage
students in their learning. Through film, students can be awakened by
immersion into a new cultural milieu. They can go on a virtual field
trip, forging emotional connections to people and issues they haven’t
encountered in their own lives. They can share this real-time experience,
building a learning community with their peers. The authentic voices
and visuals in film provide them with primary learning sources. Yet, too
often, traditional passive methods are used when films are viewed in the
classroom. This guide offers ideas, suggestions, and activities to give all
students the opportunity for active engagement.