Importance of using video clips during teaching and
learning
By Bongani Mhlanga
Using video clips during teaching and learning can be an effective tool for enhancing comprehension, engagement, and retention of information (EdSurge, 2024). As a Teacher and a University Tutor, I have identified the positive impact of such.
The
learning environment just changes and the atmosphere is saturated with
willingness to learn, and curiosity to link the video with the already-known
content. This is very interesting. The tricky part of it is that it needs
thorough preparation, time consideration, and classroom management skills.
There has to be teaching and learning from setting up and selecting the video
till the end of the session. Tertiary students are more independent and ready
compared to high school learners from my experience, it is therefore paramount
to be cognizant of the nature and cognitive level of your learners when you are
to use such.
Here are some reasons why incorporating
video clips into your teaching strategies can be beneficial:
1. Visual aid:
Video clips provide a visual representation of concepts and
ideas, making it easier for students to understand and grasp complex
information. Visual aids can help to clarify difficult concepts, stimulate
interest, and reinforce learning. When teaching Religious Education in schools,
we have to think about a way to give our learners a visual picture of the
incidents. This is because some of the stories are too complicated to
understand and hence video clips can be so helpful. For example, we have to
show them the Annunciation to Mary, and Zachariah, the birth stories, and all
the miracles that are in the syllabus. Remember that our learners learn from
the known to the unknown, so it is highly likely to help them in the recall skills;
that is to remember the events of the story if they have seen them. This is
echoed by the new theory of learning called ‘Connectivism’. Teachers can
utilize connectivism in their classrooms to help students make connections to
things that excite them, helping them learn. Teachers can use digital media to
make good, positive connections to learning (Western Governors University, 2020).
2. Engagement:
Video clips can capture students' attention and engage them
in the learning process. The use of multimedia content can be more interesting
and interactive than traditional text-based learning materials, keeping
students engaged and motivated to learn. This is emphasized by the above-mentioned
theory. Learners can engage and participate with a clear picture of what the
subject matter is all about rather than getting it from the text.
3. Real-world application:
Video clips can show real-world examples, case studies, and
applications of theoretical concepts, making learning more relevant and
practical for students. By seeing how concepts are applied in real life,
students can better understand the importance and relevance of what they are
learning.
4. Multisensory learning:
Multisensory activities are based on whole-brain learning,
which is the belief that the best way to teach concepts is by involving
multiple areas in the brain (Waterford, 2019). Video clips engage different
senses, such as visual and auditory, which can enhance learning for students
with diverse learning styles. Watching a video can activate multiple parts of
the brain, leading to improved attention, processing, and retention of
information. When we facilitate teaching and learning in a classroom or lecture
situation, the ear and eyes are the only senses that are used, but when we use
a video clip, some emotions are provoked, which is why some will be laughing,
so quiet to emotional moments, applying sympathy. This cannot be easily achieved
without the use of video clips in teaching and learning situations.
5. Personalization:
Video clips can be customized to meet the specific needs and
interests of students, allowing for personalized learning experiences Lee, B.
(2019). Teachers can choose videos that cater to different learning styles,
preferences, and abilities, making the learning more individualized and
effective. We do so as educators being informed by the nature of our learners
in our minds, for example, we cannot choose Cartoons video clips for high school
learners, or choose videos that are in the French language when our learners do
not understand the French language, it is therefore advisable for educators to
take time and watch the video clips before taking them to class.
Overall, using video clips during teaching and learning can enrich the educational experience, foster deeper understanding, and enhance student engagement and retention of information. By incorporating multimedia content into your lessons, you can create a dynamic learning environment that promotes active learning and facilitates student success.
