Abstract:
This case study was guided by the framework of film pedagogy to explore the use of biopic film clips as a means of provoking discussion and reflection on the topics of diversity and professionalism. The case study data were collected within the bounded system of a public, southeastern university and are further bounded by the meanings of professionalism and diversity as derived from preservice teachers from that system. Data were collected from a staged and time-bounded experience in a safe place. The experience included a shared viewing of selected clips from biopic films. The participants were six preservice teachers who provided written reflections about the two educational topics before the film clips were viewed, wrote reflections after each film clip viewing, participated in a focus group interview, and completed final written reflections after the focus group. Additionally, all participants contributed in private follow-up interviews. Data analysis was conducted as single case study and emergent themes resulted. Data analysis suggested using film clips as prompts for reflection and discussion on diversity and professionalism in a safe environment aided in the development of the preservice teachers' meanings.
