Filmmaking - the ultimate project-based learning

We need filmmaking in our classrooms, not to graduate filmmakers, but to graduate problem -solvers, critical thinkers and passionate people who can work with others to make that which does not yet exist, real.        Nikos Theodosadis, The Director in the Classroom

There are almost - seemingly - an infinite number of ways to design and implement amazing learning experiences for your students via project-based learning.  Our model of project-based learning at 21st Century Schools is PBL21 - "the next step in the evolution of project-based learning!"
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While the climate in education for the past 15 years or so has been steeped in standardized testing, there have been, thankfully, some schools who forge ahead with meaningful, real world, exciting learning experiences for their students.  They know that if students have these opportunities they will actually learn more and perform better on their standardized tests.
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One of the most powerful forms of PBL21 is videography, or filmmaking.  This experience provides students with an opportunity to engage with the curriculum at very high levels, enables students to develop critical 21st century skills and multiple literacies for the 21st century.

Just "Google" this:  "high school students produce feature-length films", and you will find many examples (as well as those for middle school students).  They celebrate with premieres at the local movie theater and Oscar-type awards ceremonies complete with the red carpet, tuxedos and evening gowns, and the flashing cameras of the "paparazzi"!
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There are also many film festivals, from local to national to international, to which your students may submit their productions.  Now that is what you could say is authentic, performance-based assessment with a public audience!
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​In addition to the possibilities for students to produce feature-length films, there are many other options.  All of them will be highly motivational for students.  All of these options will provide students with opportunities to learn the required content knowledge at deeper levels, and will also be powerful strategies for developing 21st century skills and the multiple literacies for the 21st century!

There is no subject, course, topic, theme or project that cannot be learned or accomplished through film/video production!

Options include:

• Feature-length films
• Mini-documentaries - such as those shown on the History Channel, the Science Channel, the Biography Channel, the Discovery Channel.
• Mini-dramas or series
• Public Service Announcements
• Political Campaigns
• News Shows
• Entertainment Shows
• Guest Talk Shows - interview experts on various issues and topics in your community, and broadcast the shows live on television or radio.
• How-To Shows - from study skills to building a skateboard, physical fitness and health, gardening, cooking . . .

Many schools now have their own radio and television studios.  It is quite inexpensive, all you really need is a small room with a "green screen", a camera and a way to broadcast the program.  You can broadcast live (and record it) via YouTube, Facebook or via a local television channel!  

For more ideas on integrating videography and filmmaking into the curriculum see our Filmmaking page . . . You can bring any subject/content alive for your students!

Anne Shaw is the Founder and Director of 21st Century Schools.  

Please visit and “like” us on Facebook and Twitter.  For more information and resources visit 21st Century Schools and our Curriculum Resources Page for ideas to make your project-based learning experiences truly amazing!