The Educational screen (c1922-c1956])

Page 14 The Educational Screen esthetic subjects as Art and Music, but sufficient experimentation has not been conducted in this field. 2. The educational film does not appear to be a good medium for instruction in such constructive sub- jects as Cooking, Penmanship, and Shop, when a teacher is available for demonstrating and com- menting on each phase of construction. 3. The educational film appears to be of value in the teaching of literature and reading, but sufficient experimentation has not been done in this field. 4. The educational film is of particular value in the field of science, especially when its content cannot be duplicated by the teacher. 5. The educational film is of distinct and extensive aid to the subjects of Geography, History, and Hygiene. Methodology 6. The educational film should be used in conjunc- tion with all other visual aids wherever possible. 7. The educational film is more eflfective when used as an introduction than when used either in the body of the particular phase of the subject studied, or in conclusion. 8. It is still uncertain as to whether the film, when interrupted, partakes of the nature of a stere- opticon. 9. An increased number of showings enhances the eiTectiveness of the film, provided ample time is given for discussion. 10. Comment during the showing of the film, followed directory available of educational films and their sources — the new 12th EDITION of "1000 and One Blue Book of Films" 152 pp., 4500 films carefully classified according to subject, and listed in 144 numbered subject groups. Information given on each film—whether 16 mm. or 35 mm., silent or sound, number of reels, description of contents, distributors from which films are available (220 such distributors included) and range of prices charged by them. Price 25c to Subscribers of EDUCATIONAL SCREEN (75c to non-subscribers] Thousands find in the monthly issues of Educational Screen maga- zine and the annual editions of "1000 and One Film Directory" (the standard film reference source) an invaluable combination of service and information on the field of visual instruction. ________l7ie the cou^n below ^or your order. Educational Screen, 64 E. Lake St.. ChicaEO, III. Send me the 12th edition of "1000 and One" 75c enclosed D Enter my subscription to Educational Screen for 1 yr. $2.00 □ 2 yrs. $3.00 Q and send me copy of "1000 and One" for 25c, Check enclosed for $2.25 H Bill me for subscription and "1000 and One" D $3.26 Q Name Address by classroom work, increases the effectiveness of the educational film. 11. The sound film can be used with profit, but the tendency, which appears to be in its favor with respect to either the silent film with captions or comment or both, has yet to be thoroughly es- tablished. Characteristics of the Educational Film That Make for Educability 12. The use of the educational film allows more time to be spent in other methods or subject matter fields without any loss in learning effects. 13. Memory and recall are materially aided bv the use of the film. 14. The educational film enhances interest in immediate learning, in future learning, and in extra-curricular activity, when a necessary and sufficient method- ology is pursued in connection with it. 15. The educational film is particularly effective in coping with the problem of those of subnormal I. Q., reducing significantly the diff^erence between them and those of normal I. Q. Contributions of the Educational Film at the Various Educative Levels 16. In the elementary grades, the film has a definite place at the ages of 10-11, but the extent of its value at lower age levels is uncertain. 17. The educational film can be utilized to a great e.x- tent in both the junior and senior high schools. Content of Educational Film 18. Motion and action should be included in the film wherever possible. 19. Any phase of a subject not involving motion should not be depicted by the film. 20. The educational film should consist largely of close vips, and should contain speech where possible. 21. The captions should be short and concise. Research 22. Research in the field of the educational film must be specific and minute, involving particular and definite elements of subject matter, methodology, film characteristics, educative levels, content, and the interrelation of each with the other and in com- bination. These conclusions, all empirically founded, show the immense possibilities of the educational films. If a correct methodology is used, the beneficial results far transcend any initial expenditures or effort in- volved. It can be said with definite assuredness, backed by past research, that the value of the educational film seems to have been objectively conceded. Concerning its possibilities in specific subjects, at definite educa- tive levels, and for the subnormal I. Q. the surface has barely been scratched. From all indications the film will prove to be a potent influence. It may, indeed, rank with the introduction of the laboratory method in its influence on educational procedure. In order to determine the nature of this eflfect, and its extent, fu- ture research should concern itself with the definite and specialized uses of the educational film at the various phases of the educational continuum.