Understanding the educational value of the film Please Vote for Me: The case for a pedagogical course in citizenship education

Abstract

Abstract Studies have demonstrated the importance of citizenship education for preservice teachers; however, studies on citizenship education pedagogies in university programmes have been rare. This small-scale study furthers the discussions in western and Chinese literature regarding the documentary film Please Vote for Me. By using the film in a citizenship and moral education curriculum course, this study explored undergraduate students' perceptions of using the documentary film Please Vote for Me and their actual learning experiences and outcomes. Data were collected through student interviews, reflective journals and worksheets. The study revealed that, overall, the students appreciated learning by using documentary films; they learned reflection and critical thinking skills and about the concept of democracy. They also discussed the educational topics in the film and reflected on the expected teacher and parent roles of citizenship education. The study provides empirical evidence to supplement the literature on citizenship teaching and learning in teacher education by using a documentary film as a resource.