Evaluation - Scottish Screen

Impact of the programme on teaching
At the time of the first round of interviews, most teachers were unable to determine any
immediate impact on their own teaching. Other teachers reported that they were beginning to
adopt more interactive ways of engaging with pupils, including ‘stepping back’ and allowing
the pupils to take their learning in their own direction.
There’s a significant emphasis on helping children to learn themselves
rather than teaching them.
Some teachers commented on the ‘open-ended’ nature of MIE lessons in the sense that it is
not always possible to predict where an MIE lesson might go or what the outcomes might be.
This might account for some teachers’ apprehension, although all reported growing
confidence as they realised the opportunities for expansive learning offered by MIE. Instead,
they were able to identify those techniques with which they were familiar, such as
questioning and discussion. Teachers were aware of the opportunities that MIE presented for
cross-curricular and multi-curricular activities. For example, the same piece of MIE film
could provide simultaneous input and discussion on verbal literacy, visual literacy and
science.
Some teachers, including those who expressed apprehension about teaching MIE,
nevertheless reported that the techniques used in MIE were beginning to inform their
teaching in other parts of the curriculum.
Yes, yesterday I was doing algebra - one of these [.] sheets. I didn’t think
it would appeal and then later we were still discussing it and I thought
I really enjoyed that and they did too. I wouldn’t have done anything like
that prior to this project.
Most teachers at the second round of interviews indicated that they were already using MIE
in Science, Environmental Studies and Maths or had firm plans to do so. All teachers in this
cluster reported that they had or were in the process of integrating the practices and
methodologies they had been using in MIE into their overall teaching practice. They
attributed this directly to the increased learning behaviour that they experienced during MIE
sessions.
It must not be an add-on to the curriculum. I want to get it
embedded in my teaching. I’m now really excited about it.
Impact of the programme on learning
All teachers reported that pupils had engaged with and reacted positively to MIE. They
indicated that, in contrast to written texts, pupils were willing to return to a visual text (DVD)
several times and that they learned something new each time. They indicated that during MIE
lessons all children, including those who might be difficult or reluctant to engage at other
times, were enthusiastic during MIE. They also noted that pupils interacted better and
worked together more purposefully.
They’re pulling the film apart rather than watching passively.
They look at special effects, lighting, music etc [and are] analysing
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