Videos/films checklist

Sourced from training material in a Certificate IV in training and workplace assessment

Films/videos are valuable communication tools if used effectively. The success of films/videos depends on how you present them to the group and how you help the group process the new information.

• Does it cover what you want to accomplish?
• ls it suitable for your audience?
• ls it preachy or full of absolutes? (lf yes, it may turn the audience off)
• Will it make people feel involved or will they just passively switch off?
• Note down discussion questions.
• Check its length - ls it best to show part of the video/film only?
• Are you going to use it to introduce a new topic?
• Are you going to use it to stimulate discussion?
• Are you going to use it to summarise/reinforce a topic?

• Help your group 'tune in' to what they will see. For example:
• This video is called….
• I'm showing you this because….
• lt was made in the UK by,…
• lt was made in the late 1980's but it is still relevant to us because….
• The film is available for loan from….
• lt is suitable for groups of all ages….
• I want you to look out for….
• l'll stop the video half way through so we can discuss….

• Ask Cognitive questions about the content of the video/film. For example:
• Why did the characters behave the way they did?
• How did the individuals function in various roles?

Ask subjective questions about trainees' feelings, reactions and interpretations. For example:

• What did you like?
• What impressed you?
• Did you have any new insights?
• Have you ever been in a similar situation?

This could be done in small discussion groups or you could conduct a whole group discussion.

• Was the video to introduce a new topic?
• Was the video to summarise or complete a topic?

• poise
• movements
• gestures
• facial expression
• distracting mannerisms

BE NATURAL!