A) review the film (First Generation (2015)

• give a summary of the film and describe your personal reaction to it.
• Provide a rating (either giving the film a thumbs up or thumbs down, grade, etc.) along with an explanation for whether your colleagues should watch the film.
• Reflect on the material you’ve learned in this course and describe at least one connection you made between the film and what you’ve studied.
• Describe one “take-away” that might be useful to teachers in the field.
• Make sure to link the filmmaker’s successes and/or failures to content from the course.

B)Your school has asked you to present at the next faculty development day. You may choose any aspect of the course to expand and elaborate on in the form of a faculty development session. Your session must address the following:

• Explain the basic concepts, provide concrete examples and importantly explain why you think your colleagues need to adapt or understand this area of teaching and learning.
• Please include why you chose to select this topic. The session should include both resources from the course and at least 2 reliable outside resources one of which needs to come from research literature
• develop a  handout that outlines the topic you selected that would be given to attendees of your session.

ANSWER

Film Review and Faculty Development Session: Enhancing Teaching and Learning

Film Review: First Generation (2015)

Summary and Personal Reaction: “First Generation” is a documentary film that sheds light on the challenges faced by first-generation college students in the United States. The film follows the stories of four diverse students as they navigate the complexities of pursuing higher education without the guidance of family members who have previously attended college. The film poignantly portrays the financial, social, and emotional barriers that these students encounter. Personally, the film left a deep impact on me. It underscored the resilience and determination of these students while highlighting the systemic barriers they face. The film effectively humanizes the struggles of first-generation students, fostering empathy and understanding.

Rating and Recommendation: Thumbs up. I highly recommend colleagues to watch “First Generation.” The film offers valuable insights into the challenges faced by first-generation students, making it a relevant and eye-opening experience for educators. It encourages a deeper understanding of students’ backgrounds, promoting more inclusive teaching practices.

Connection to Course Content: The film aligns with the course’s focus on inclusive education and understanding diverse student populations. It illustrates concepts such as stereotype threat, imposter syndrome, and the importance of a supportive environment in promoting student success. The experiences of the students portrayed in the film mirror the theories and research discussed in the course.

Take-away for Teachers: One key take-away for teachers is the significance of creating a supportive classroom environment. By acknowledging and addressing the unique challenges faced by first-generation students, educators can contribute to their success. Cultivating a sense of belonging and providing resources, such as mentorship and academic support, can empower first-generation students to overcome barriers and excel in their education.

Filmmaker’s Success and Connection to Course: The filmmaker’s success lies in creating a documentary that effectively humanizes complex issues and educates the audience. This connects to the course’s emphasis on the power of storytelling and narrative to engage learners and promote understanding. By using real stories, the filmmaker underscores the importance of empathy in education.

 Faculty Development Session: Fostering Inclusive Teaching and Learning

Topic: Fostering Inclusive Learning Environments for Diverse Student Populations

Basic Concepts and Importance: This session focuses on creating inclusive classroom environments to support diverse student populations, including first-generation students, underrepresented minorities, and students with varied learning styles. We will explore strategies to address implicit biases, design inclusive curriculum, and provide resources for student success.

Reason for Selection: Inclusion is crucial in today’s diverse classrooms. By understanding and adapting to the needs of all students, educators can enhance student engagement and outcomes. This session addresses a critical need in education and aligns with the course’s emphasis on embracing diverse perspectives.

Session Content and Resources

Understanding Implicit Bias: Discussing the impact of unconscious bias on teaching and learning.

Inclusive Curriculum Design: Exploring methods to create curriculum that reflects diverse voices and experiences.

Supporting First-Generation Students: Sharing strategies to provide targeted support and resources for these students.

Cultivating Empathy: Highlighting the power of storytelling and empathy in promoting understanding.

External Resources

“Teaching to Diversity: The Three Block Model of Universal Design for Learning” by C. M. Mazur (Research Literature)

“Inclusive Teaching and Learning” – A guide from the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (Online Resource)

Handout: Enhancing Inclusive Teaching and Learning: Strategies for Success

Understanding Implicit Bias

Creating Inclusive Curriculum

Supporting First-Generation Students

Cultivating Empathy through Storytelling

Additional Resources for Inclusive Teaching

In conclusion, the film “First Generation” and the proposed faculty development session emphasize the importance of understanding diverse student populations and fostering inclusive learning environments. By embracing these concepts and practices, educators can create meaningful, impactful, and empathetic learning experiences for all students.