Today, we watched the first movie of EDU3234. In Dr Jayakaran’s class, it is sort of a custom to watch inspiring movies about teaching. Each movie lie hidden messages about what makes a great teacher, who does not only educate but also inspires. The movie we had watched was “Mona Lisa’s Smile”, starring Julia Roberts, Kirsten Dunst, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Julia Stiles.
In brief, “Mona Lisa’s Smile” narrates about a modern teacher, Katherine Ann Watson (played by Julia Roberts), who tries to change the narrow mentality of the students in Wellesley College, “a conservative women's private liberal arts college in Massachusetts, United States in 1953” (Wikipedia.com). Watson uses liberal arts to liberate her students from conforming to female stereotypes. She emancipates students to believe that they can live more than just being wives and mothers. However, like in most societies, one is creating trouble when you fight against societal belief. Nevertheless, although she has to leave the college, she manages to create awareness about female oppression among her students. She inspires them to work for what they desire, fight for their rights and realize their dreams, regardless of female discrimination surrounding them, making them hard to breathe.
In addition, there are some teaching implications that can be found from the movie, “Mona Lisa’s Smile”. The identified teaching implications are as follow:
1. Do not fear of your students, for they can sense your fear and easily take that teacher presence and confidence from you. What if they threaten you? Watson taught us that we have to stand firm and make them respect you as their teacher. (Facing rude and daring students who are capable to beat us up, can we still hold on to our courage? I wonder.)
Katherine Watson: Since your wedding, you've missed six classes, a paper and your midterm.
Betty Warren: I was on my honeymoon and then I had to set up house. What does she expect?
Katherine Watson: Attendance.
Connie Baker: [timidly] Most of the faculty turn their heads when the married students miss a class or two.
Katherine Watson: Well then why not get married as freshman? That way you could graduate without actually ever stepping foot on campus.
Betty Warren: Don't disregard out traditions just because you're subversive.
Katherine Watson: Don't disrespect this class just because you're married.
Betty Warren: Don't disrespect me just because you're not.
Katherine Watson: Come to class, do the work, or I'll fail you.
Betty Warren: If you fail me, there will be consequences.
Katherine Watson: Are you threatening me?
Betty Warren: I'm educating you.
Katherine Watson: That's *my* job.
2. Teach students to think beyond the book knowledge. To enable them to think for themselves, instead of “book smart”.
Joan Brandwyn: You gave me a C.
Katherine Watson: I'm kind.
Joan Brandwyn: The assignment was to write about Bruegel. That's what I did.
Katherine Watson: No, what you did was copy Strauss.
Joan Brandwyn: I was referencing an expert.
Katherine Watson: If I wanted to know what he thought, I'd buy his book.
Betty Warren: I've heard her called a quitter for leaving and aimless wanderer. But not all who wander are aimless, especially those who seek truth beyond tradition, beyond definition, beyond the image. I'll never forget you.
3. Train students to be open-minded to receive new ideas and knowledge. It will help a great deal in their learning process, as they are more willing to accept the unknown and explore new ideas.
Katherine Watson: Look beyond the paint. Let us try to open our minds to a new idea.
Katherine Watson: It says here that you're pre-law. What law school are you going to go to?
Joan Brandwyn: I hadn't really thought about that. After I graduate, I plan on getting married.
Katherine Watson: And then?
Joan Brandwyn: [confused] And then... I'll be married
Mona Lisa, Mona Lisa
Men have named you
You're so like the lady with the mystic smile
Is it only cause you're lonely
They have blamed you
For that Mona Lisa strangeness in your smile
Do you smile to tempt a lover, Mona Lisa
Or is this your way to hide a broken heart
Many dreams have been brought to your doorstep
They just lie there, and they die there
Are you warm, are you real, Mona Lisa
Or just a cold and lonely, lovely work of art
(Repeat)
Mona Lisa, Mona Lisa
Lyrics from theme song of the movie, “Mona Lisa’s Smile”.
Now, take a look at the infamous painting of “Mona Lisa Smile”. Look deep into her eyes. Was she really happy?
No comments:
Post a Comment