Can movies really teach history? and should we use movies in the classroom?

It's a staggering fact - students recall 50% more factual information when they read text and watch a movie, but people will remember the movie version of history - even when it's incorrect. When history is presented in a fictional narrative, it shapes the way we think about the past. A small research study brought familes together to discuss their historical understanding of the Vietnam war. Both parents and children relied on memories from the Tom Hanks movie Forrest Gump. 

Understanding accurate history is a critical component of both academic success and civic engagement. I'd like to invite a discussion about the use of movies in the classroom?

• Do you use historical movies in the classroom? If so, which movies do you use? How do you determine a movie's relevance for the adult education classroom? 
• Do you encounter students who misunderstand history due to Hollywood's presentation of history?
• Can you use controversy to teach? Think about HBOs upcoming release of Confederate, a fictional story about life in the United States if the American Civil War was not won by the North - how will the American Civil War be portrayed and how will students be influenced by the incorrect portrayal?
• Does teaching about historical inaccuracy in movies connect with teaching media literacy?
• And finally, how do all of these questions fit with our mission? 

Kathy Tracey
@Kathy_Tracey