Film and education; a symposium on the role of the film in the field of education ([1948])

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FILM AND EDUCATION be used as therapeutic techniques in group counselling. The use of films in treating social-emotional-personal problems already promises much. Occupational and musical therapy are recognized professional fields; audio-visual therapy has many possibilities of emerging as a new area of specialization. Aristotle wrote of the cathartic effects of the drama. Today, thanks to Freud and other psycho-analysts, we know of additional effects which accompany the perception of events outside ourselves. Two prominent forms of perception may take place in the use of the film: identification with admirable roles that satisfy our inner needs, and projection of unwanted aspects of ourselves in the less admirable roles. Thus in the first process we fulfill our wishes of what we would like to be, and in the second, we rid ourselves -of unacceptable personal characteristics. Under the supervision of competent therapists, maladjusted individuals may be aided in their adjustments, particularly as they are stimulated to talk about themselves more freely and as they learn to objectify negative aspects of themselves. Frequently the keynote to maladjustment is subjectivity. It is not uncommon for individuals to remain subjective either because they do not know how to be otherwise, or because they do not welcome criticism from others. Films, as they affect identification and projection on the part of the film audience, can help individuals to help themselves as most people prefer to do in problem situations. Probably no type of film can be used more effectively in the area of personal and social problems to stimulate student interest and group discussion than the so-called "provocative film." This type states the problem, gives alternate solutions, but leaves the question for decision by the film audience. The value of such a film can be recognized in that it presents the whole problem situation and gives the student audience an opportunity to practice analyzing problems more objectively. This practice in problem-solving activity can be useful to stu [258J