24 January 2008
Study shows viewing films can improve child literacy
Films, television and computer games, are now "fundamental" to what it means to be literate in the 21st Century, according to the authors of a report out today. The joint publication, by the University of Sheffield and the United Kingdom Literacy Association (UKLA), claims that government policy needs to focus on ensuring that all primary and secondary schools are able to undertake work on media literacy.
The report, `Moving Literacy On´, was co-authored by Professor Jackie Marsh, from the University of Sheffield´s School of Education, and is based on the findings of a two-year evaluation of a national project implemented by the British Film Institute (BFI).
The `Lead Practitioner Scheme for Moving Image Media Literacy´ project, developed by Cary Bazalgette and Mark Reid of the BFI, aims to promote media literacy in the curriculum and was undertaken in over 60 Local Authorities in England between 2005 and 2007. A core part of the scheme is to create media champions by training teachers and advisers to use film in the classroom. Children then benefit by getting the opportunity to take part in new and varied activities, for example creating story boards based on films and exploring characterisation and plots through drama and writing.
Professor Marsh and Dr Eve Bearne from the UKLA looked at the outcomes of the BFI project in 35 Local Authorities. They found that the scheme had a positive impact on pupils´ motivation, engagement and attainment in a number of areas. They discovered evidence that the scheme raised attainment in writing and speaking and listening. It also developed teachers´ knowledge about moving image media education. Many teachers also reported that they are now more confident about approaching work on moving image media in the curriculum.
Professor Jackie Marsh said: "Children are reading and writing more on screens than ever before and moving image media, including films, television and computer games, are now fundamental to what it means to be literate in the 21st century. The evaluation demonstrates that the BFI scheme has been highly effective in developing capacity for the teaching and learning of moving image media. What is needed now is government funding for further research projects that will enable the BFI and partner Local Authorities to build on these successes and ensure that schools are able to meet the literacy needs of the digital age."
Mark Reid from the BFI said: "We developed the project in order to enable teachers to build on the extensive expertise that children develop with regard to media texts from their out-of-school experiences and acknowledge the fact that literacy can no longer be solely focused on print and books. We're gratified by the outcomes of the evaluation, not only because it endorses the approach the BFI took, but because it highlights the continuing achievements of so many dedicated and imaginative teachers and advisors. We look forward to spreading the word further afield - to government, and to the other local authorities who have yet to engage with the scheme."
For further information and a copy of the report please contact: Jenny Wilson, Media Relations Officer on 0114 2225339 or email j.c.wilson@sheffield.ac.uk
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