How to Teach...

Workshops are listed alphabetically by workshop leaders:

How to teach Representation

Clive Edwards

Lecturer in Broadcast Journalism and Media Law. Editor of Vale Mail Newspaper

  • Particularly relevant to: All specifications; and this concept is central to OCR Unit 2731, to the construction and analysis of practical media artefacts, to Unit 2735 Media Issues and Debates.
  • Suitable for: new and experienced teachers.

Our understanding of the world, most of which we never see, is shaped by the media's representation of it. What we understand of Africa, of scuba diving, of politics, of the Pope, is determined by what we see, hear or read in the media. These topics are represented to us. An understanding of the concept of representation challenges students to see the media and the world, from a different perspective. It is possible to understand the concept on many levels, from the basic, to the profound.

This workshop will use case studies to explore the concept of representation, and to examine how and , importantly, why certain groups are represented as they are. How far does a group control its own representation? How far are groups victims of institutional distortion?

The session will examine the concept of representation in some depth, starting from a basic theoretical analysis, and moving to a more searching exploration of the concept via case studies. These case studies will centre around the representation of a minority group in the media (gypsies), and will also explore representation of other groups by their activities (e.g. children and crime). Examples from print, radio, film and television will be scrutinised.

Analysing narrative structures and techniques in TV dramas

Sarah Gilligan

Lecturer in Charge of Media, Hartlepool College of Further Education, Hartlepool

  • Particularly relevant to: All specifications
  • Suitable for: new and experienced teachers.

Narrative is one of the ‘key concepts' which underpin the Media and Film specifications and it is vital that students are able to move beyond simply describing ‘what happens', to being able to critically engage and evaluate the range of narrative structures and techniques which are used in media texts. In coursework and exams, providing detailed textual analysis that integrates all the key concepts is essential. This workshop will explore how recent TV dramas can be used both as case studies for coursework and exams and also as practice in class for developing students' skills in ‘unseen text' analysis . It will provide an introduction to theories and case studies for investigating and analysing narrative structures and techniques in a range of recent TV dramas. Drawing upon a range of theoretical approaches, we will investigate how to encourage students to integrate theory, rather than ‘bolt it on' in moments of panic in exams and coursework. Central to this analysis will be an examination of the range of strategies and techniques, which are used to reach, appeal and engage the target audience, together with issues of spectator identification and pleasure.

The workshop will provide:

  • An overview of key theoretical approaches and debates to analysing narrative structures and techniques and tips on how to make them accessible for students.
  • Opportunities to critically evaluate the usefulness of a range of theories to the analysis of TV drama.
  • Comparative analysis of clips from recent TV dramas - such as Spooks, Hustle, 24
  • Debate issues of audience and spectator pleasure and identification – with reference to female-centred dramas such as Desperate Housewives, Sugar Rush and Sex and the City.
  • Opportunities to develop ideas for further case studies, developing exam techniques, student projects and the sharing of resources

How to make Institutions interesting

Simon Lewis

Senior Tutor in Media and Film Studies, St. Helens College, Merseyside

  • Particularly relevant to: All specifications
  • Suitable for: new and experienced teachers.

Potentially a turn off for many students, media institutions can be one of the more difficult and challenging areas to teach. Based on a number of years teaching media industries and institutions, I will suggest and explore some teaching strategies and lesson ideas. In particular, I will suggest possible lesson ideas for teaching the same majority of which have been used in ing some of the key concepts of globalisation, synergy, vertical integration etc. The session will also examine and suggest suitable material which can be used by both teachers and students.

The emphasis be on making the teaching of Institutions as student centred as possible. At the same recognition will be given to the fact that asking students to simply research the subject can be problematic, and I will suggest ways that this can be achieved in a meaningful and stimulating way. Participants will leave with tangible ideas for their lessons.

How to Teach Genre

Jan Sargeant

Head of Media Studies, Longcroft School, Beverley

  • Particularly relevant to: All specifications but particularly AQA AS Module 4
  • Suitable for: new and experienced teachers.

This workshop will offer ideas on how to tackle the issues and requirements of the A2 Module 4 with a specific focus on Genre. Using materials trialled in classrooms with students, the workshop will be practical in terms of its application back in your own schools. Lesson plans and a Scheme of Work will be made available to participants. There will be a particular focus on Science Fiction in this workshop but the ideas will be transferable to any other genre.

Last Updated: Wednesday, 21-Feb-2007 16:06:27 GMT