Recovering Latina/o History: Using Walkout to Teach Social Justice

• In Event: Mexican-American Students and the Process of Social Action

Abstract

This investigation focuses on the cognitive and emotional effects university students experience by viewing, discussing and writing a reflective essay on the feature film Walkout. As principal investigator I have utilized the film Walkout as an instructional resource to engage pre-service and in-service teachers with issues of social justice, educational equity, and culturally responsive pedagogy. A content analysis of students’ essays gathered thus far has already yielded useful and telling information about students’ responses to my instructional approach. At the most basic level, that approach has increased students’ knowledge about a neglected yet significant event in United States educational history. It has also stimulated their critical thinking about issues that impact the education of Latinos and other minority students.

Author

• Julio Noboa, The University of Texas - El Paso