Teacher Chuck Gloman
Chuck Gloman's feature article in the July issue of Digital Video isn't currently available online, which is a shame because it is such a good example of how a thoughtful teacher helps students develop expertise.Gloman is a producer and videographer who spends some of his time teaching at DeSales University in Pennsylvania. In his article, "Shooting Tips for the Ultimate Documentary: How to Capture the World Around You — and Share those Skills with Your Crew," Gloman describes his experience working with two groups of students who were shooting documentaries, one in South Africa and the other in India.
Gloman explains that every student in the TV/Film program at DeSales takes a basic still photography course in their very first semester. The course covers the fundamentals of framing, composition and exposure. Only after learning these essentials do the students go on to motion photography, learning editing in the camera, focusing techniques, and framing of moving objects.
Prior to traveling to South Africa and India, the students practiced with the particular camera, lighting, and audio equipment they would be using. They also learned specifics of how to operate as a team.
Gloman concludes his article with comments about his teaching approach. He says, "I look at each student in our department as a professional and treat him or her as such. They teach me techniques constantly, because they are coming from a fresh perspective." As for critiquing student work, he explains,
Instead of telling students what's wrong with their production or what they should have done, I ask how else they might have approached the same subject differently. I point out the good elements in their work, but also ask how they could make it even better. As the teacher, I let them tell me how they would enhance their documentary. This gets their creativity flowing.Gloman's attitude and approach come across as the epitome of empathetic experiential learning, a style that fits just about any skill-based subject matter.
I always try to share mistakes I've made with students, but they may encounter other pitfalls on their own, which we all can learn from.
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Throughout the entire filmmaking process, I let the students do all the work. I offer guidance and answer any questions, but knowing that the students created a great film totally on their own brings the greatest gratification — for myself and the students both.
posted by Karen Nelson @ 11:37 PM
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