Using Documentary Films to Prepare Preservice Teachers: Exploring and Navigating Religion and Religious Identities in the Classroom

• In Event: Friday Roundtable Session 3:05 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Outcomes, Culture, and Leadership (Table 19)

Abstract

This qualitative study analyzes course materials and students’ coursework in an undergraduate elective course to answer the research question of how the use of documentary films can increase preservice teachers’ understanding of navigating religious identities in the classroom. Findings reveal that (1) the documentary films helped improve preservice students’ understanding of traditional course materials as they made connections between the two and expressed an understanding of content; (2) students exemplified a complex understanding of the professional responsibilities of teachers and schools in abiding by religious expression laws within schools whilst maintaining their own; (3) students grappled with and explored their own personal religious convictions and how it relates to their teacher identities.

Authors

• A.D. Hooker, Baylor University

• Lakia M Scott, Yale University