Popular Film as an Instructional Strategy in Qualitative Research Methods Courses

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to provide university instructors pedagogical applications for popular film in graduate-level qualitative research methods courses. Media instruction has a longstanding tradition in Grade K-12 classrooms, and the power of “edutainment” in our visually oriented, electronically mediated, and performative culture should not be underestimated or dismissed by university professors for their masters- and doctoral-level classrooms. Excerpts from strategically selected popular films introduce qualitative research topics, illustrate basic principles and techniques of inquiry, generate classroom discussion and reflection, clarify misunderstood constructs, function as referential mnemonics, and teach selected principles more effectively than traditional classroom pedagogy. In these film excerpts, art imitates qualitative life, and art is used to teach the science of naturalistic inquiry.

Keywords

film qualitative research research methods teaching

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