Abstract

Films and associated activities can be used as effective learning tools in classrooms in relation to compassion and empathy. This chapter describes how the authors have incorporated film in both undergraduate- and graduate-level teaching. Three cases of film-viewing took place as part of teacher education classes. A thematic approach is used in this paper by presenting three autoethnographic cases based on discussions with students that emerged from viewing Mr. Lazhar, Stories We Tell, and Freedom Writers. Recent research that frames moving-image narrative stories are shared and related to classroom settings as they present moral issues, discussions about pedagogical practices, and the place of empathy in classrooms. The three cases then consider relationships between empathy, choice, decision-making, agency, and critical analysis by using film in higher education.