Movies in the classroom: lessons for curriculum design

In this workshop, we will describe two approaches to using film to supplement teaching and enhance learning within the Faculty of Education and Health at the University of Greenwich. The first involves use of an extracurricular film club for BSc Public Health and BSc Health and Wellbeing students to introduce a range of contemporary public health and wellbeing issues in an entertaining way as an adjunct to traditional teaching and learning, e.g. the link between cancer and environmental contaminants (Erin
Brockovich) and using epidemiology to map communicable diseases (Contagion). The second involves use of an eclectic mix of feature films to bring leadership theory to life, e.g. transformational leadership (Dead Poets Society) and trait theory (Gladiator), as part of the mandatory taught element of two post-experience leadership courses. Drawing from the literature on the use of films as a teaching and learning tool, the two approaches will be compared and the pedagogical benefits identified with a view to establishing a simple framework to guide the use of film in curriculum design.