Film as a vehicle for researching problems relevant to students' future careers : evidence driven research and quality university teaching

This chapter examines the proposition that popular films may be used as primary evidence for developing an understanding of quality university teaching for students interested in a teaching career. Four interrelated elements are woven into the exploration of this suggestion. A meta-analysis of the research literature by Zammit, Sinclair, Cole, and Singh (2007) is used to define "quality teaching". The review then focuses on the relationship between student diversity and quality teaching. The research focus for this study was refined during the course of the research process itself. Thus, a short explanation of the project's natural history is provided. An analysis of professor Higgin's teaching methods, as depicted in the film My Fair Lady is presented. The analysis of his methods highlights his use of teaching aids, error correction, scaffolding student learning, teaching spoken English, reinforcement training and rote learning. This depiction of Professor Higgen's teaching methods is then used as a vehicle to discuss what may be regarded as quality university teaching.