This award will not be presented in 2021. All campaigns that would
have been eligible in 2020 and 2021 will be eligible when we resume the
awards again in 2022. For more information about 2021 recognition, please click here.
One educational program which best represents the development and presentation of a complete educational experience using giant screen film, exhibits, educational materials, and other media or materials will be awarded the Best Educational Program by a Theater. Theaters and distributors are encouraged to partner on a submission. All entries must be submitted electronically via the online form.
Educational initiatives or ideas may include, but not be limited to:
- education programs focusing on the giant screen film experience, such as written support materials for films, web‐based learning tools, museum/ science center exhibitions, guest speaker programs, and other media;
- special events for students that enhance and expand upon film experiences or serve as a source of professional development for teachers;
- outreach programs that link the film experience with other venues/experiences to create fully themed/integrated educational experiences;
- research projects that act to inform and enhance the educational impact of giant screen film experiences;
- or any combinations of the above.
To be eligible, theaters must be a member of GSCA. Campaigns conducted in all languages are eligible; however, the award entry must be submitted in English. Programs must have been initiated between June 1, 2019, and May 31, 2020. If the program launch falls within 60 days of the deadline for eligibility, the theater has the option of submitting the program for awards consideration the following year.
Criteria below set by the Lifelong Learning Committee will guide the committee members in their judging. Where relevant, the educational initiative/idea:
a) shall originate from and/or be inspired by giant screen film experience/s;
b) enhances and introduces new perspectives for giant screen film experiences;
c) uses familiar starting points, but stretches interest and extends knowledge;
d) motivates interest in and successfully works to raise the profile of giant screen film experiences;
e) is educational, entertaining, innovative and compelling, measurable;
f) makes provisions for experiences to meet the needs of people of different ages, ethnic/cultural
groups, socio‐economic backgrounds and/or geographic locations;
g) represents a showcase of best practice within the category of lifelong learning.
All entries must be submitted electronically via the online form, which includes 3 primary sections:
- Goals and Objectives: Describe the goals and objectives of this program. Who were you trying to reach? What are the desired learning goals (e.g., cognitive, behavioral, affective etc.). How does the program fit into your mission, or does it extend or add to the mission? Please limit your response to no more than 10,000 characters, which is about 1500 words. This section represents 15% of the judging.
- Implementation: Did you partner with any organizations to extend the reach of the program or partner with other experts to participate in the program? For example, local resources who are experts on the film subject, science organizations, university programs, government agencies, etc. What did the program involve? Please describe the program activities. What deliverables were used in implementing the program (handouts, activities, etc.)? How was the program marketed (signage, advertising, invitation, etc.)? Please limit your response to no more than 10,000 characters, which is about 1500 words. This section represents 70% of the judging.
- Measurement of Outcome: How was outcome measured? What was the total number of people reached/affected by the program? What lessons did you learn, i.e., what could you have done better or would you do differently next time? What would you repeat next time. Please limit your response to 10,000 characters, which is about 1500 words. This section represents 15% of judging.
Submission Worksheet
GSCA recommends that you complete your answers offline using the worksheet provided below and then copying and pasting your answers into the form. However, the worksheet is for your use only as you organize your entry. You must submit your entry using the online form. You can download the submission worksheet here: Best Educational Program Worksheet
Additional Materials
We encourage you to submit supplemental materials such as:
• scans or PDFs of program syllabi, activity guides, program documentation
• advertising and media coverage of the program as .mp3 or .mp4 files
• links to YouTube videos or web pages dedicated to the program
• unsolicited letters from teachers or educators who used the program
• event photos as .jpg files
All items should be saved in a single folder with your organization in the folder name so we can match the items with your submission. Please send via HighTail.com or a file sharing application of your choice to kelly@giantscreencinema.com, or contact Kelly for instructions on how to upload files to GSCA's Dropbox account.