Cliffhangers : A narrative tool for wonder and creativity in the classroom

This study is about applying narrative theory into the media classrooms. Can a teacher create wonder and curiosity in his or her classroom by using classic storytelling techniques? The use of compelling storytelling has been used throughout history. With today’s media climate and the endless amount of streaming entertainment that surrounds us, makes us feel, fantasize, become inspired, and forget about time and space, how can we as teachers not imagine applying that sense of wonder into the classroom? This study´s main focus is on cliffhangers as an educational tool in the classroom and examines the teachers’ point of view on the subject of cliffhangers and the use of narrative techniques. How can a teacher apply classical narrative techniques to keep or even inspire to wonder, curiosity, and the will to learn more in the media classroom? Does a cliffhanger motivate the student to learn more? Do professional teachers see possibilities or restrains by using narrative techniques, such as cliffhangers in their classroom? Lastly, how can a cliffhanger contribute to a more creative classroom climate? This paper tries to find the answers to these questions. This paper examines the concept of cliffhanger, how to construct one, how it is used in normal context within film and television, and how it can be used as a creative tool in the classroom. I create two cliffhangers for two teachers and observe their performance in the classroom. Supported by previous research concerning the importance of film pedagogy in school and media education, the concept of affordance, narrative theory, achieving a sense of wonder, and the importance of a creative teaching practice. The reason for this study is to inspire and awake new ideas in other teachers to how one can practice a creative classroom and to hopefully stimulate the students to their own creativity and wonder. The result points to the importance of keeping the cliffhanger relevant to the assignment and subject, the teacher’s performance, and a general positive outlook on narrative techniques in the classroom. With the major theme cliffhanger and narrative theory in education, this study is summarized and presented with a 3D structure of the literally word cliffhanger in a cliffhanger situation. Will the creative teacher save the day? To be continued…