The Educational screen (c1922-c1956])

standing and cooperation on their part. Good technical quality contributes to the general effectiveness of the film. In addition, a feeling of authenticity is achieved through the unaffected hesitancy evident in the behavior of the children as they undergo new experiences. Although the home environment as a causative influence might have received more analytical attention, such an examination, desirable though it may be, would probably have detracted from the primary purpose of the film — to show that with the help of modern therapeutic methods and greater understanding on the part of teachers and parents, children afflicted with speech impediments can be helped to resume active social participation with growing confidence and increasing satisfaction. MEETING IN SESSION (Bureau of Publications, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York 27, New York) 21 minutes, 16mm, sound, black and white. $75. Description of Tontent*; This film contrasts by exemplification two radically different processes in group relations, the authoritarian and the democratic. Three head nurses and two staff nurses meet with their supervisor to demonstrate the extreme differences In the attitudes of the participants, what they say, and what they do in the two contrasting social climates. The objective of the meeting is to discuss the problem of more adequate scheduling of nurses for the evening hours and to suggest ways in which to improve operations during this period. The first meeting occurs under authoritarian conditions. Miss Callahan, the supervisor, dominates the meeting throughout and initiates the discussion with a demand for suggestions. The head nurses immediately accuse the staff nurses of failing to abide by the rotation system and at the same time reject the possibility of adding part-time staff with the criticism that they lack in dependability. The staff nurses, on the other hand, insist that they, in fact, are entitled to some relief from evening duty and that the hospital might offer bonus pay for night work to make it more attractive. The supervisor scoffs at their suggestions and demands that they enforce more rigidly the rotation system. As a supplementary measure, she decides that the hospital should enlist the services of the nurses aid and arrange for the head nurses to train them during the day, a decision to which the latter respond unfavorably with the complaint that their responsibilities will prevent such participation in the proposed training scheme. Miss Callahan, however, remains adamant and the meeting adjourns. The film then shows how such a meeting is conducted more effectively in a democratic manner. The supervisor, prior to the meeting, arranges with a head nurse and a staff nurse to consider the problem of scheduling for the evening hours and to offer their observations and suggestions to the group. At the meeting the problem is discussed from different perspectives and possible solutions are considered. One head nurse offers to act as recorder and summarizes the principal recommendations proposed during the meeting. The possibilities considered here are similar to those presented at the first meeting with, however, fundamental differences in attitude on the part of the participants. A feeling of mutual respect appears to permeate the discussion. The supervisor encourages and guides the discussion, and tries to indicate possible strengths or weaknesses In the suggestions that are presented. Toward the end of the meeting members of the group team up and agree to pursue more thoroughly the solutions suggested during the discussion and to report to the group at some future date. In conclusion, the commentator observes that a comparison of the two meetings will undoubtedly reveal major differences in attitudes and skill and that "it is worthwhile to learn to work together effectively." Coraniittee Appraisal: The committee felt that the film provides a valuable demonstration of the important components that enter into a group discussion. As a result, the previewers recommend the use of the film by any organized group In industry, busi "We cannot do today's job with yesterday's tools and techniques and be in business tomorrow. Teaching practices must be constantly evaluated end changed in accordance with the needs of youth and the times." — BENJAMIN C. WILLIS, new Chicago Supt. of Public Schools ness, education, or the community. The cast provide a convincing performance and succeed in offering a clear and striking contrast in group feelings and ultimate accomplishments. The occasional monotonous character of the photography is undoubtedly due to physical limitations within the setting and to the inherent nature of the film subject, but it appears not to diminish the attention-retaining quality of the presentation and, consequently, its educational usefulness. INDUSTRIAL ARTS: PLANES (Young America Films, Inc., 18 East 41st Street, New York 17, New York) 13 minutes. 16mm, sound, black and white, 1953. $50. Produced by Centron Corporation. Teachers' Guide available. Description of Coiitents: This film, one in a series of films dealing with industrial arts, presents a detailed description of the different types of planes, their particular uses, the parts of the plane, and the proper handling and care of planes. Following an introduction of all types of planes — the jack plane, the smooth plane, the jointer plane, the block plane, the spokeshave, the rabbet plane, the bullnose plane, and the router plane — the film illustrates their unique usefulness in performing their respective functions. The parts of a plane are described in detail as a woodworker dismantles and reassembles a jack plane. The film devotes special attention to the proper adjustment of the blade in the reassembled plane by demonstrating how the cuttinp edge of the single plane iron protrudes through the throat in the bed of the plane as the adjustment nut is turned Likewise, swinging the lateral adjustment lever makes tht cutting edge even with the bed. Before using the plane, one should try it on a sample piece of wood and adjust it for the proper thickness of the shavings. The film next demonstrates how to check a fresh piece of stock for warping or winding and to adjust the planing accordingly. By planing with the grain one avoids rough surfaces. A woodworker illustrates the proper position of the feet while planing and shows how the plane is held and manipulated with varying pressures of the hands as it is drawn across the surface. In addition, the film show.s the proper procedure to be used for a partial cut and the use of the jointer plane in smoothing especially wide gluedup surfaces and of the vise for edge planing. In planing any piece of stock, one must make frequent and periodic checks with a straight edge. Closing scenes illustrate the proper method of planing end grain and the effective use of pencil markings in beveling and chamfering edges. The film ends with a word of caution by the commentator that the plane is one of the most complicated tools and requires careful cleaning and handling if the desired results are to be obtained. Committee Appraisal: The committee suggested that this film could be used readily with beginning students in industrial arts to show the different types of planes, their parts, and their uses. The clarity of presentation is due in no small part to the methodical organization of the contents of the film. Also, the effective use of the camera in achieving particular angle shots provides adequate illustrative support to the message in the commentary, especially when it reviews the different parts of the plane and its proper adjustment. The short l review at the end of the film and the superimposition of ; the names on the tools being shown should add considerably to the students' understanding throughout the learning experience. 358 Educational Screen