Using Modern Media to Enhance the English Classroom

Ever since college, I’ve wondered why we insist on making the English classroom so boring. True, it’s tough to make the English classroom remotely interesting with subjects like grammar and mechanics, but when it comes to analyzing texts, we seemingly forget that modern film can go a long way toward keeping students interested in the subject matter. Why must we insist on boring, canonical texts when we have modern films that relate more to our students’ interests?

Am I saying we should avoid older texts entirely? Absolutely not. Canonical texts have their place when you’re interested in teaching older forms of writing, or cross-referencing for a quick history lesson. However, if we’re simply teaching literary elements such as conflict, plot, etc., why turn our heads to modes of text that are far more engaging.

Engaging students in meaningful discussion with texts such as Beowulf can be frustratingly difficult. However, throw The Avengers on the screen and your biggest struggle will be getting them to shut up about it. When analyzing and critical thinking skills can both be taught through a more interesting text, I just want to know why not.

Administrations across the country sneer at the possibility of The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, or Harry Potter playing on screens in their schools. Showing modern film has taken on the stigma of the lazy teacher. Administrators assume that walking past your door while you’re showing a modern film certainly means you’ve decided to take the day off. Certainly, you failed to create plans for the day, or are simply looking for an easy way out. While I’m not saying it doesn’t happen, I will say this; modern film has its place in the English classroom because English goes beyond grammar and mechanics.

English is about subjectivity and perspective. It fails to fall into categories colored in black and white, and instead, forces students to think in shades of grey. In a way, students are asked to think in ways they’ve never thought, going beyond simple observations about how the world is, and instead, forces them to ask the question why.

I plan to do more posts about this in the future as it’s something I’m rather passionate about. If modern texts will allow me to teach my material in a more engaging, creative, and entertaining way, why not?