How to integrate documentary films into the school curriculum in a way that would be interesting for students and methodologically grounded for educators? We’ve been looking for the answer to this question during the “Expert Hour” podcast session from the Vchysia.media platform.
First and foremost, the discussion was dedicated to the first public presentation of the new methodological guidebook “Implementation of the Docudays UA human rights documentaries into the educational process.” The event brought together educators from all over Ukraine who strive to implement innovative approaches to teaching.
The event was moderated by Inna Lykhovyd, chief editor of the Vchysia.media. The expert discussion featured Maria Symkovych, author of the guidebook, educator, and moderator of the Docudays UA film club at the NGO “Insider’ Center for Educational Initiatives” in Uzhhorod, and Olha Babchuk, communications manager of the DOCU/CLUB Network.
During the presentation, speakers elaborated on the practical value of the guidebook for contemporary schools, particularly in the context of the New Ukrainian School reform.
Maria Symkovych discussed the structure of the guidebook in detail, explaining how documentary films serve as visual tools in the lessons in history, law, civic education, and even science. She emphasized that the guidebook comprises ready-made working algorithms that help educators easily link the emotional content of the film with academic competencies.
Olha Babchuk highlighted the role of the DOCU/CLUB Network as a reliable partner for educators. She talked about the opportunities that the creation of film clubs opens for schools, from legal access to the film collection to support from the like-minded community and participation in advocacy projects.
The audience of the “Expert Hour” learned that the guidebook solves several key requests of modern teachers:
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Methodological framework: educational potential of documentaries, principles of film selection, and interactive methods for working with audiences.
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Digitalization: the use of up-to-date online tools to engage students during screenings.
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Pre-made solutions: specific methodological recommendations for lessons in history, law, civic education, biology, geography, computer science, and Ukrainian language.
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Extracurricular activities: scenarios for using films in career guidance, work of student self-government, and methodological support of teachers.
“We aimed to create not just a theoretical compendium, but a practical tool that would help discuss serious and rather complex legal education issues with students. For them, documentaries are the ‘window’ into the real world, and our methodological guidebook provides educators with instructions on how to open this window safely and effectively,” noted Maria Symkovych.
Presentation of the guidebook at the Vchysia.media platform makes one more step toward bridging the gap between documentary films and the formal education system, proving that the demand for informal methods of education is on the rise in Ukraine.
The text version of the discussion is available here.
The project is implemented with the support of the DOCU/CLUB Network, funded by the Embassy of Sweden in Ukraine and Fondation de France.
