Video Review

How do I use it?

• Before the class, select a video/movie review that you wish to use as a sample. Reviews used on Amazon.ca can be a good starting point. Bookmark the site.
• Review with the class the purposes of an educational video review. These include:
  • To inform – the review needs to tell people who made the video, the type of video (e.g., interview, animation, etc.) and where it can be viewed
  • To describe - the review should describe what the video is about (the subject)
  • To analyze – the review provides an opinion on whether the video is good or not and why.
  • To advise - the review should tell the reader whether or not to watch the video and give it a rating out of five stars
• Identify the audience for the review. It could be other students, teachers, etc.

• Students can use the Video Review template to plan the review and record their ideas.

Variations

• Have students with opposing viewpoints (one gave a good review, one a bad review) discuss and challenge each other’s reviews.
• Summarize the class reviews. What is the average number of stars that the video received?
• Use this strategy with other media, such as books, articles and movies.

Extensions

• Have students do additional external research to support or refute the claims and information in the article or video.
• Have students conduct reviews of different media related to a specific theme or science concept. Compile and post the reviews to an online “learn more about…” page.