Project Sustema

Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit trilogy employs a sophisticated use of parallel narrative structures that serve to deepen character arcs, reinforce thematic motifs, and create emotional continuity across the films.

By drawing parallels between key character relationships, encounters, and turning points, Jackson enhances the storytelling and connects individual character journeys to broader themes such as greed, love, sacrifice, and moral courage.

1. Kili and Tauriel: Love Beyond Borders

First Meeting – Connection and Wonder (Mirkwood)

Kili and Tauriel’s relationship begins in the dungeons of Thranduil’s halls. Their shared fascination with the world beyond their boundaries is expressed in a quiet conversation about starlight—symbolizing hope, longing, and curiosity. This moment introduces a bond that transcends traditional racial divides between Elves and Dwarves.

Second Meeting – Vulnerability and Healing (Lake-town)

When Kili is struck by a Morgul arrow, Tauriel defies her king and comes to his aid, healing him in Lake-Town. This act of compassion deepens their bond and signifies a turning point, where mutual admiration becomes genuine emotional connection. It represents selflessness in contrast to the pride and possessiveness seen in other characters.

Third Meeting - A Profession of Love and a Promise

Kili asks Tauriel to go with him, as Tauriel considers this she is interrupted by Legolas and a reminder of her duties. As Kili turns to rejoin his brother and the other dwarves in their boat, Kili turns back and gives Tauriel the stone given to him by his mother. Tauriel accepts the stone and considers the implications and her feelings of this moment. This stone is a powerful symbolic token of commitment - this is practically an engagement ring.

Final Meeting – Tragedy in Battle (The Battle of the Five Armies)

Sometimes teaching the concept in film becomes a by-product of the more obvious narrative aspects of film-still, shot selection, camera movement, angles, lighting, costumes, makeup, props, blocking, sound and music are important and at times get overlooked. Good Mise en Scene is not noticed unless it is bad-to this point, the subtlety must be examined as it is what underlines the film makers intention. Here are some useful questions to do just that:

1. Setting and Location

   - Where does the scene take place? How does the location (e.g., a room, a street, or a park) affect the mood or feeling of the scene?

   - Does the setting feel realistic, exaggerated, or symbolic? How does it connect to the main ideas of the film?

2. Lighting

   - How is the scene lit? Is it bright or dark? Does the lighting create shadows or highlight certain things? How does this change the mood or feeling of the scene?

   - Does the lighting focus on certain characters or objects? Why do you think the director chose to show these things more clearly?

3. Costumes and Makeup

   - What do the characters' clothes tell us about who they are? Do their outfits make sense for the time, place, and their social status?

   - How do the characters' appearances (like makeup or hairstyles) show their personality, mood, or role in the story?

4. Props and Objects

   - Are there any important objects in the scene? What do they represent or how do they help move the story forward?

   - Do certain objects appear many times in the film? How do they help explain the main themes or ideas of the story?

5. Color

   - What colors stand out in the scene? Are they warm (like red and orange) or cool (like blue and green)? How do these colors make you feel?

   - Are there any specific colors used in the background, costumes, or lighting? What might these colors symbolize or represent?

6. Space and Blocking

   - How do the characters move in the scene? Do they stay close to each other or are they far apart? What does this say about their relationship?

   - How does the way the characters are positioned in the scene (called blocking) affect the power or emotions between them?

7. Camera Movement

   - Does the camera stay still or move around in the scene? How does the camera movement (like zooming or panning) affect the feeling or energy of the scene?

   - Does the camera focus on certain characters or actions, or does it show other details? Why do you think the director made this choice?

8. Sound and Music

   - How does the music or sound in the scene affect the mood? Is the music fast and exciting, slow and sad, or quiet and tense?

Another component of the Thinking Classroom is having students stand while having discussions ensuring they remain active and engaged as sitting promotes complacency and allows some students to disengage from the discussion.

Vertical Non-Permanent Surfaces (VNPS): This technique involves using vertical surfaces like whiteboards or chalkboards for collaborative problem-solving. By working on vertical surfaces, students can easily share ideas, work together, and see each other's contributions, fostering a sense of community and collective problem-solving.

Problem-Based Instruction: Rather than presenting information in a lecture format, the Thinking Classroom method encourages teachers to engage students in solving complex problems or tasks. These problems are often open-ended and require critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration to solve.

Random Grouping: Liljedahl advocates for randomly assigning students to groups as opposed to allowing them to choose their partners. This strategy helps students learn to work effectively with a variety of peers and promotes inclusivity within the classroom.

Think-Pair-Share: This strategy involves students first thinking individually about a question or problem, then discussing their ideas with a partner, and finally sharing their thoughts with the whole class. It encourages active participation and provides students with multiple opportunities to engage with the material and their peers.

Building Norms: Establishing a set of norms or expectations for classroom behavior and collaboration is crucial in the Thinking Classroom method. These norms help create a positive and respectful learning environment where students feel comfortable sharing their ideas and taking risks.

1. Data-Driven Instruction

Targeted Interventions: Analyzing data from these assessments helps identify specific areas where students struggle, allowing for targeted interventions.

Personalized Learning: Teachers can develop individualized learning plans based on the specific needs and strengths of each student, ensuring that instruction is more effective.

2. Collaborative Problem-Solving

Shared Expertise: PLC meetings bring together diverse teaching expertise. Teachers can share successful strategies and resources, learning from each other's experiences.

Consistent Practices: Establishing common best practices across the school ensures that all students receive high-quality instruction and support, regardless of their teacher or class.

3. Enhanced Teaching Strategies

Professional Development: Regular discussions about assessments and best practices contribute to ongoing professional development, helping teachers stay updated with the latest educational strategies and tools.

Innovative Techniques: Exposure to tools like Quill Interactive Writing and Grammar can introduce teachers to innovative, tech-based instructional strategies that engage students and enhance learning.

4. Improved Student Outcomes

Higher Achievement: Focused attention on areas like reading comprehension, writing skills, and grammar can lead to significant improvements in student performance on standardized tests and classroom assessments.

Skill Development: Students develop critical reading and writing skills that are essential for academic success and future career readiness.

5. Fostering Accountability

Progress Monitoring: Regular assessment and review in PLCs create a culture of accountability, where teachers are continuously monitoring and adjusting their instructional practices based on student progress.

Goal Setting: Teachers can set specific, measurable goals for student achievement, tracking progress and celebrating successes as a team.

6. Enhanced Student Engagement

Relevance and Motivation: Tailoring instruction to meet student needs based on assessment data can make learning more relevant and motivating for students.

Active Participation: Interactive tools like Quill can make learning more engaging, encouraging active student participation and practice.

Conclusion