Movie Review

Title:  Movie Review

Purpose:  This activity is designed to help students apply concepts addressed in class/readings to other situations.

Student Project:

This activity involves choosing and watching a popular movie that portrays teaching and learning and using that context to understand some of the theories and concepts discussed in the text and in class.  You may end up watching the movie more than once throughout the semester, as you consider the story and characters in light of various concepts.  A short “starter” list of possible movies follows.

To Sir With Love                                          Freedom Writers

Dead Poet’s Society                                    Dangerous Minds

Conrack                                                       Blackboard Jungle

Teachers                                                     Man Without a Face

Kindergarten Cop                                        Summer School

Stand and Deliver                                       Clueless

Mr. Holland’s Opus                                     The Principal

Fast Times at Ridgemont High                   The Breakfast Club

The Great Debaters                                    Billy Midison

Lean On Me

Assessment: (10 pts.)

Write a 2 page paper, double spaced with a cover page. Include the following information.

1. Cover page with the name of the movie
2. Name of the movie
3. Write a very short synopsis of the movie. (first paragraph)
4. Is the teacher effective? If so, what characteristics demonstrate effectiveness?  If not, what could be done to improve effectiveness?  Provide examples and make connections to your own experiences and course content.
5. Comment on the developmental level of the students. Be sure to consider all aspects: physical, social, cognitive, moral, etc. Relate this to course content.  For example, what impact does cognitive development have on instruction and assessment?  How might social development affect the teacher’s choice in instructional strategies?
6. What is the general impression conveyed by this movie in its depiction of teachers and students? What impact has this movie had on you as a future teacher?  What behaviors would you like to model in your own classroom?  Why would you want to model these behaviors or characteristics?  Provide examples.
7. Comment on motivational issues presented by teachers and students. What aspects of motivation theories discussed in the text do you find in the movie?  How might you resolve motivational issues of teachers and/or students?