Education Book Reviews – sponsored by Michigan State University Libraries
Joyce, Helen (2007). Using Films in the Social Studies: World History.
Jacksonville, Florida :TEACHINGpoint.
and Elections by Helen Joyce
Pages: 186, Price: $60, ISBN: 1-59657-407-0
Helen Joyce writes in her recent book, Using Films in the Social Studies: World History, on page 5, "… :use films as a tool to an end, not as a way of keeping students 'occupied' for ninety minutes." The "end" to which Joyce refers is a deeper and more personal and relevant understanding of the skills and concepts we expect students to master through our use of multiple media sources in a highly differentiated and stimulating classroom. The intended audience for this resource is primarily high school World History teachers, but the films and activities could also be appropriate for some upper middle level Social Studies courses, as well. The approach Joyce advocates in this resource is one all teachers might consider applying to their respective subject area.
The book is wonderfully organized and is quite easy to read. There are fourteen chapters, each focusing on a different film with accompanying activities for the World History classroom. These activity worksheets allow the teacher to create a pedagogically sound environment for student learning in that Joyce provides activities for before students view a film clip, activities for engagement while the student views the film clip, as well as activities for after the film clip has ended to check for understanding, or even to refine and extend student learning.
For example, in Chapter 14, Hotel Rwanda, Joyce provides a basic summary of the film, and the units of study or themes which the film may address. The author also provides a brief discussion of class activities for laying an appropriate instructional foundation prior to viewing clips from Hotel Rwanda. The pre-film viewing activities require the students to complete appropriate background research on African Independence post-WW II, the role of the United Nations in African development, and the Rwandan genocide. The author includes an activity requiring the students to list issues from their background research they want to learn more about through viewing the film, and also provides follow-up activities for post-viewing discussion and essay writing. The author provides these same type activities for all fourteen films.
The films Joyce has chosen to include are powerful, and in some cases quite controversial. See complete list at http://teaching-point.net/filmwld.html Joyce includes several provisos to readers; one important warning to educators regarding respecting the copyrights of these films must be taken seriously. Another suggestion is that teachers review policies for the use of media and film in their respective districts. Joyce also wisely advises readers to carefully and thoughtfully consider the maturity level, age, and instructional objective of the lesson when considering which or what film clip to use.
Reviewed by Dr. Stephen P. Covert, Principal at Ni River Middle School in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The reviewer is an Instructor in the Career Switcher Program with the Spotsylvania County Schools, as well as adjunct faculty at the University of Mary Washington. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Education from Virginia Commonwealth University. Correspondence concerning this review may be sent to scovert@ms.spotsylvania.k12.va.us.
