The film exemplifies many of the topics we have discussed in class. In regards to Paulo Freire's theories of oppression in education, the students in the film are educated under the "banking method" of education in which they are treated as receptacles for information, but not possessing any knowledge or experiences of their own to contribute. The students backgrounds and history was not allowed to be expressed and any racial pride was discouraged. The students were tolerated by the teachers and the teachers were tolerated by the students who actually showed up to class. Ms. Gruell finds out that the only way to engage her students in their learning is to provide them with material that they can connect with and contribute to. She is met with a lot of resistance on the part of the authorities at her school on the basis of budget restrictions, lack of materials, etc. In order to make the children feel worthy, she personally buys all new books for them to read. She assigns them to read The Diary of Anne Frank in order to understand the impact that racial violence can have. She also assigns her students to keep a diary in which they have to write in every day. She says they can write whatever they want, and that each of them has a story to tell that is valuable. She goes the extra mile in publishing their diaries in a book called "Freedom Writers" so that they can tell their stories.
Erin Gruell exemplifies a critical pedagogy approach to education in her classroom. She does not limit the students to approved curriculum. Her lesson plans follows the questions and interests of her class, all the while expanding their horizons and introducing them to experiences they may never have had. She takes them on field trips to museums and to dinner with speakers from the holocaust. The students are encouraged to draw from their personal experiences and are shown that they have potential to rise above the struggles that plague them. Her activities are interactive and show that her students teach her just as much as she teaches them. The mutual relationship that Erin achieves with her students is something that every teacher should strive for.
I connected this film to Tara Goldstein's performed ethnography in that it contained many issues that are important to students today such as equality in terms of gender, sexuality, or race. This film had content that heavily expressed the racial inequalities experienced by students and the perspectives of people of different backgrounds on the issues of race and power. At one point in the film, a latina student is expressing why she hates white people. She says she hates white people because they can do whatever they want for no reason, because they have the power to control everyone else. Ms. Gruell attempts to show the students that moving towards equality is essential in them having a voice and that they should fight for what is right and what they believe in, instead of feeling hopeless against those "white people" in power.
I watched this film before taking the course and I loved it then. Now that I consider the themes the film portrays and the type of education Erin Gruell encouraged in her students, I have a new respect for the film and the efforts put forth by one teacher trying to break the history of oppression experienced by her students and show them that they are valuable individuals with their own story to tell. I recommend anyone who has not watched this film to do so as it is an eye-opening experience, especially to those considering a career in education, as it really exemplifies the impact one individual can have on a student.
Really love this movie :) I believe there was another student who did a reflection on this movie as well! I believe this movie connects with many of the key issues we have discussed during our course this semester. I agree these students were definitely taught with the "banking method" which for many students just does not work. But because the school board did not have faith in these students it really did not matter. It is sad to see but this is the reality in most place in Canada and in other parts of the world. I believe that even though Nova Scotia is a "have not province" we have had many opportunities that students in other places will never have. Although our school system does need some revisions we are VERY fortunate. It takes a strong teacher like Erin to make a huge impact like in this movie. I believe it is teachers like Erin who will someday bring equality into our school systems.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea you also did a review on this movie until just now! I watched it last weekend and realized how much it connected to what we have learned in class and thought of it was such an excellent example of concepts we have discussed. I looked at it from the perspective of bringing all the students together as a community (similar to what George Dei discussed in his article), where as you looked at how it is more about hands-on learning and going against the banking method. After reading your review I see even more ways this movie ties into course concepts. I agree with what you write at the end as well about Nova Scotia. We are definitely viewed as one of the least favorable places to live in Canada due to cost of living and job availability, but when we discuss our personal experiences in class and I hear other students tell stories about what they didn't have in High School, I am grateful for the education I received. I think I was given excellent opportunities here, but more importantly, I utilized them fully and do consider myself very fortunate. If you haven't already seen the film "Precious" you should watch that also. I believe Eric wrote a review about it on his blog. That movie touches on going against the banking method to try and reach out to young women who are dropping out of school and losing hope in themselves.
ReplyDeleteA nice review. well written and thank you so much for sharing it with us seems like a good movie. such review help to make a good decision of your spent time
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