Journal 6

“Filming Compassion” by Janet Bremer and Marilyn Clark

Authors Janet Bremer and Marilyn Clark present a fascinating lesson plan that they composed in which they integrated the use of technology in a film class to fulfill a service learning requirement. This lesson plan entails making a short documentary film on a non-profit organization which will be turned over to the organization for use by the organization. In this assignment, students are required to use team player skills as they listen to the needs of the organization. They were expected to collaborate ideas and possible outcomes with the leaders of the organization. Most of the groups had little or no supervision at all after their initial meetings with the organization heads. The students went on to interview and film activities of the volunteers in each organization. The lack of supervision led to better, more creative films than initially expected.

This idea is a great way to integrate technology into a school’s service learning requirement. The student is able to fulfill some of their hours while simultaneously learning how a non-profit organization works. The non-profit organization also benefits from an activity such as this through receiving a specialized, one-on-one experience in which they can express all of their needs, concerns, and desires to the young film maker. And since this plan would target non-profit organizations, any homeless kitchen, children’s shelter, or animal rescue could afford to use this service to promote their group.

I think this is an excellent idea. If I were to teach a film studies course, this would definitely be a lesson plan that I would have to copy. I believe it’s a very admirable lesson plan that teaches young people compassion and generosity, since they are required to give so much of their time. And what better way than through a creative project with few limitations and endless possibilities?

1) How could I incorporate a lesson plan like this into my high school English classroom?
Instead of choosing different types of non-profit organizations, like this professor did, I could choose non-profit organizations directly related to literature, writing, and English. My students could do this same assignment for a book drive organization or an English tutoring program.
2) What would I add to this assignment?
Besides the initial virtual tour provided by a staff member and the volunteer interviews, I would add interviews of the people that the organization had helped. I would ask that they explain how the organization has had a positive impact on their lives and why the organization is important.