The methodology used for each course is designed based on the nature of the subject and expected vocational outcomes. Teachers, who are also experienced practitioners in their fields, will employ various teaching methods in order to equip students with the needed knowledge, skills and know-how required by the local job market.
The main learning method that will be applied is described as ‘experiential’ or learning by doing while also focusing on reflection in order to enhance knowledge. For topics that require more knowledge-based teaching, the relevant theories will also be covered. Teachers will utilise a mix of vocational-oriented methods such as presentations, videos, reading and/or listening to samples of work, practicing with equipment and on set, drafting and feedback, real-world problem-solving, and coaching — all with the aim of learning from each other and exchanging knowledge.
Target students
The vocational education provided at the Al-Mamal Studios aims to target students of different ages, backgrounds, and gender, who have chosen not to access traditional art schools due to high fees, required school certificates, and language barriers. Those students also aim to gain practical skills needed for employment opportunities, especially for Palestinians in Jerusalem. The desired vocational outcome is to equip the participants with technical skills, teamwork competencies, and job ethics that are necessary for real-life projects, live events, studio work and film sets.
Al-Mamal Studios offerings
In order to respond to the needs of the students and their contexts, the centre will offer the necessary tools, space and equipment. The teaching staff will focus on transferring information and know-how in an accessible, practical, and skills-oriented manner. The centre will mainly house local practitioners, who have experience in different aspects of filmmaking including production, scriptwriting, directing, cinematography, sound engineering and lighting.
Teaching methods
The chosen blend of teaching methods will be designed to respond to the nature of the subject being taught– filmmaking, and its different departments such as scriptwriting, producing, directing, cinematography, acting and lighting, as well as sound recording on set and studio. Additionally, courses on sound and light for live events will be provided due to the high demand for this specialty in the local market. As explained above, the experiential teaching method will be the main tool employed to allow students to learn by doing while also carrying out a fair amount of reflection to increase knowledge, develop skills and clarify values.
For some courses under the creative departments, such as script writing, which require more knowledge-based teaching, the students will be taught the relevant theory through lectures and presentations. Once acquainted with the theory, the students will be presented with examples of scripts to analyse and discuss. At a later stage, students will either work in groups or individually and will be tasked with producing writing samples themselves, while being coached by the teachers. The output will then be discussed, analysed and feedback provided to enrich the learning process. The final assignment will be writing a script for a short movie that could be filmed.
Courses that focus on introducing technical skills will focus on practical work with equipment such as using cameras, lighting equipment, sound equipment, and editing software. The teaching method here will focus on either working in teams, or doing individual work, under the supervision, of the teacher in class and in the field. This would allow the students to gain real-world problem-solving skills and the ability to produce good quality.