Evaluation - Scottish Screen

4.4 Analysis of focus groups
Response to MIE
Focus groups reported that in MIE they typically watched a film and then wrote about it.
Typically, they have to write stories and predict what happens next. They then see the end of
the film. Pupils reported that the older ones write more whilst the younger ones focus on
describing words. They also used cameras to make a movie, put it on the computer and see
where they had made mistakes. They also did animation.
Pupils indicated that MIE was teaching them to write stories. They indicated that before MIE
they just wanted to write short pieces but now they wanted to write long ones.
It helps us in thinking how to write a story …it gives us ideas
They said they had learned a lot about making moving images including detail such as small
steps in animation, and the effects of a big jump.
It makes us feel better so we try and do our best. We enjoyed… we liked…
making movies, whether you move the camera or the object.
They also reported that learning was different when doing MIE.
…we enjoy and it’s fun. [teacher] is nice and teaches us a lot. We want
other schools to have it as well.
Pupils involved in focus groups also said that MIE helped them to support each other.
Support could take the form of taking turns with the camera or other MIE related activities,
but could also include other schoolwork.
When we are doing storyboards the older ones have to do longer stuff and
the wee ones don’t.
When P1 and P2 are still doing work, P3 and P4 are asked to help them.
We don’t give answers, just help.
Overall, pupils reported that they thought it was fun to find out how films are made and liked
the fact that they could take part. One pupil reported that he felt proud of himself after taking
the role of the main character and ‘seeing’ himself do quite well.
Impact
The groups said that they no longer need as much help with work as they did before MIE,
thereby allowing the teacher to spend more time with younger pupils and those who need
help.
We don’t need as many words [from the teacher] and we ask each other [P4].
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