1. Assessing Student Learning using Feature Films and Clips
Deborah Olson, Ph.D.
Jeanny Liu, Ph.D.
University of La Verne

2. Visual Learning Role modeling impact (both positive and negative)
Increases interest and enjoyment
Integration of concepts
Fosters retention (linking to prior learning) creating “memory pegs”

3. Using Both Feature Films and Short Clips
Traditionally, faculty have selected films/clips to reinforce learning
Students integrate concepts and examples
Seeing the world with new ideas
Co-creating their learning experience
Active learning process (YouTube: everyone contributes; but you need to sort out what is meaningful)

4. Valuable Learning Tool
Easier to discuss negative behavior patterns observed in “actors”
Identify nonconscious “autopilot” responses in others
Identify other possible reactions students had not considered before (behavioral flexibility)
Seeing shadow self (personalized power)

5. Sharing My Experience
Learning process: Role modeling behaviors linked to key course concepts (e.g. leadership)
1. Student Selections to demonstrate:
Theories of Motivation
Decision Making strategies
2. Instructor selected:
Apollo 13
Remember the Titans

6. Assignment: Student Engagement
Students find clips and analyze the key learning points
Integrate clips with theories and concepts
Work as a team
Teams “compete” for whose analysis provides the best learning opportunity
Must explain “why” (not “it was funny”)

7. Student Engagement Process
Students brainstorm options
Use critical thinking to narrow the options
Establish relevance and linkages
New options are always being created (YouTube, TV series, commercials)
Clear resonance with students: They will judge what helps them learn and what is meaningful

8. Guidance on What to Avoid
Clear guidelines (not taking this for granted)
Racist and sexist clips
Inappropriate “humor” (pubic hair in the soup)
Violence, inappropriate language, pornography
Drinking, hazing rituals (anything where others are hurt or abused)

9. Written Summary Guidelines
One page (reinforces writing clearly, crisply)
Subheadings linked to analysis requirements
Overview of course concept
Specific statement about “why” the clip was selected
3 – 5 learning points demonstrated in the clip

10. Remember the Titans Personal preference: movies based on actual events
Content: Life issues and navigating complex relationships
Conflicts, diversity (racism)
Teamwork and development
Ethics and decision making

11. Movie Showing Process
Distribute final exam questions to students right before you show the movie
Show the entire movie in class one week before the final exam
Students encouraged to bring laptops to class during movie showing to capture relevant scenes and dialogue
Bring popcorn and candy for fun!

12. Final Exam Ideas
Include both course concepts and specific movie scenes in questions
Link movie scenes to specific learning outcomes:
E.g. What are the positive and negative consequences of using positional power to create change? Give examples from your experiences at work or school

13. Example Test Question
Leaders use both inspirational appeal and position power to influence others. Define each concept and from the movie give two specific examples of what each coach did to use inspirational appeal strategies effectively and two specific examples of when positional power strategies were used effectively.

14. Assessing Student Learning
Interactive clip:
Read through the question
I will show you a clip from the movie
Identify three specific examples from the movie that illustrate the concept in the question
Emphasize: the rationale behind the answer given is more important than your opinion on the relevance of the specific scene/quote.

15. Assessing Student Learning
Establish the point value of each question and subquestion
Identify the range of alternatives from the movie that you will “accept” as accurate
Include an example of how you want the answers written during the class before the viewing of the movie

16. Possible Issues with this Movie
How will females and non-athletes respond?
How will international students (who don’t value football like the US culture does) respond?
How will student relate to the historic issues that are represented in the movie?
Any movie you select will have “issues” to address.

17. Student Reactions/Your Questions
Student comments on the process of using video to facilitate learning
Your questions and comments