Training for Documentary Judges
Please complete the following to be ready to judge documentaries:
1. Click on Intro for All on the tabs above, and read through this information.
2. Click here to understand the 2020 theme: Breaking Barriers in History. “Relation to theme” represents 20% of a project's evaluation. Students must clearly connect their topic to the theme, and show both short-term and long-term consequences.
3. Click here for detailed documentary judging instructions which include rules for all categories and specific documentary rules. Please read these rules very carefully. Please note that while the rules indicate that all equipment be student-run, in some cases, it may be appropriate for an adult (teacher, parent, judge or fellow student) to assist with technical difficulties.
4. Note takers will be provided for you to take notes as you view documentaries. After viewing the documentaries, you and your team will adjourn for lunch, review your notes, come to a consensus on the project, and fill out one Judging Evaluation form for each project. Click here to review the Judging Evaluation form. Click on the Introductory Info for all Judges tab for evaluation tips. When evaluating, remember:
5. Click on the links below to view sample documentaries. As you watch them, try to figure out the theme for that contest year, thesis statement, use of evidence, and analysis. Be aware that you will see a wide range of quality and ability.
1. Click on Intro for All on the tabs above, and read through this information.
2. Click here to understand the 2020 theme: Breaking Barriers in History. “Relation to theme” represents 20% of a project's evaluation. Students must clearly connect their topic to the theme, and show both short-term and long-term consequences.
3. Click here for detailed documentary judging instructions which include rules for all categories and specific documentary rules. Please read these rules very carefully. Please note that while the rules indicate that all equipment be student-run, in some cases, it may be appropriate for an adult (teacher, parent, judge or fellow student) to assist with technical difficulties.
4. Note takers will be provided for you to take notes as you view documentaries. After viewing the documentaries, you and your team will adjourn for lunch, review your notes, come to a consensus on the project, and fill out one Judging Evaluation form for each project. Click here to review the Judging Evaluation form. Click on the Introductory Info for all Judges tab for evaluation tips. When evaluating, remember:
- Students will read your evaluations!
- You are evaluating the work of young students. Expect quality, but do not hold them to college or graduate student standards.
- Students come from all walks of life, including English Language Learners.
- Your comments should be constructive and positive.
- Do not make negative comments (i.e. "Why did you even enter this contest?" "Your project was the worst one that I saw all day!"), and be careful how you phrase your comments.
- Don't be overly optimistic or positive either. (i.e. "Your project is definitely going to nationals.")
- It’s your job to inform them – in a constructive and positive manner – how they can improve so they can be more successful next time.
- Your goal is for the students to understand why you evaluated their work the way you did.
5. Click on the links below to view sample documentaries. As you watch them, try to figure out the theme for that contest year, thesis statement, use of evidence, and analysis. Be aware that you will see a wide range of quality and ability.
Both documentaries were pretty impressive, weren't they? At first glance, it might be hard to judge the two projects against each other. However, with a critical eye, it is not hard to find the project that should be ranked higher.
Elements of the Project:
- Were you able to pick up on the thesis statements in both projects? Was one thesis statement clearer than the other?
- Which documentary did a better job relating the topic to the theme?
- Which documentary presented the overall history (context and significance) better?
- Which documentary was more successful at supporting the thesis?
- Did one documentary do a better job of integrating primary sources?
- Which project had stronger evidence to support the main ideas?
And the winner is...
Elements of the Project:
- Were you able to pick up on the thesis statements in both projects? Was one thesis statement clearer than the other?
- Which documentary did a better job relating the topic to the theme?
- Which documentary presented the overall history (context and significance) better?
- Which documentary was more successful at supporting the thesis?
- Did one documentary do a better job of integrating primary sources?
- Which project had stronger evidence to support the main ideas?
And the winner is...
Salk Vaccine! While the documentary on the bra was entertaining and aesthetically pleasing, the Salk Vaccine Trials did a better job demonstrating the topic's significance to the theme with strong analysis and evidence. This documentary won second place nationally in 2012...And best of all, the students were from Fairview High School in Boulder, CO!
6. One of the pleasures of judging is to meet the students. They are nervous, excited and proud to explain their work. The interviews are informal and brief, only 5 minutes after you have viewed the documentary. Be friendly and positive, and remember that you are talking to middle and high school students.
7. Click here to take the online judge's quiz.The quiz reinforces the most important points of judging that you will want to remember during your time at the contest.
Judging procedures will be reviewed the morning of the contest. If you have questions, please contact us: [email protected] or 303-315-1789.
Thank you so much for your attention to this training!
7. Click here to take the online judge's quiz.The quiz reinforces the most important points of judging that you will want to remember during your time at the contest.
Judging procedures will be reviewed the morning of the contest. If you have questions, please contact us: [email protected] or 303-315-1789.
Thank you so much for your attention to this training!