This activity involves choosing and watching the movie, “Dead Poet’s Society”  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.

Write a short paper 5 pages plus cover page and reference page with the following questions in mind based on what you have learned in class over the semester. Your paper must be in APA format. Make sure to cite theories, definitions and other materials utilized in your paper. You should have a reference page as well in APA format along with a cover page.

Questions:

1.        Is this 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.

2.        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 teachers choice of instructional strategies?

3.        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.

4.        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?