Moving Image Education (M.I.E) is being used in many Scottish classrooms to enhance pupils educational experience. M.I.E encourages pupils to analyse, explore and create short films, considering things such as story, setting, sound, camera, colour and character. On my last placement in an Angus primary school where I saw 2 M.I.E lessons, these were discussed as the '3 C's' and the '3 S's'. M.I.E helps children to develop their own media literacy and to question and understand what they are watching. Many children go home from school to sit in front of a television for hours on end, but do they really think about what they are watching?
When on placement with a primary 7 class, my teacher planned and undertook two M.I.E lessons which were very successful. Both lessons involved the children working in groups with questions focusing on specific aspects of the short films, and the children had to discuss their opinions before discussing as a whole class. The children really enjoyed these lessons as they saw them as something different and fun. The children were able to really deconstruct the short films and talk about aspects such as characterisation and atmosphere.
M.I.E is very much in line with the Curriculum for Excellence, with the Scottish Screen organisation saying that:
'M.I.E is more than just a literacy programme. It is a rich context for learning that allows children to develop across the curriculum'. M.I.E can develop literacy and numeracy skills, as well as being able to use technology and think creatively and independently. Children can apply what they have learned across the curriculum and can apply familiar strategies in new situations.
Creative Scotland (2009) Moving Image Education. Available online at:
[Accessed 24.01.2012]
