Tutors’ perceptions of the purpose and significance of film education in a lifelong learning programme at a British university

Pierquin, Martine (2019) Tutors’ perceptions of the purpose and significance of film education in a lifelong learning programme at a British university. Ed.D thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

This research explores film tutors’ perceptions of the purpose and significance of film education in a lifelong learning programme at a British university, and brings new insights into university tutors’ understanding of film and film education in a lifelong learning context. The question of what tutors aim to transmit to their students and whether adult students in turn shaped their views is also examined. Narrative inquiry and interpretative methodology were used in the case study. In-depth interviews were conducted with eight film tutors and additional data obtained through biographical and critical incident inquiry. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis and the emerging themes discussed to unpack tutors’ outlooks and assumptions. The research highlights how tutors’ life stories influenced their developing interest in film and demonstrates how the role of television in bringing film culture to households also had a significant impact. One of the main findings is the concept of the passeur in tutors’ understanding of their role as film educators, a term used by French critic Alain Bergala to refer to passionate cinephiles who make it their responsibility to transmit their love of cinema and film culture to others. It is a role they themselves inherited from others. Indeed, passing on their love of film to the tutors were a range of initiators and mentors, from family members, friends, film critics they read or followed on TV, professors, and film society members. Significantly, the research shows that, for the most part, tutors’ film education took place outside rather than within the education system. Furthermore, none of the tutors involved in the case study chose to study film as a first degree on leaving school, but only later gained postgraduate or professional qualifications. Their personal experience and background, explain why film tutors enjoy teaching in informal settings and engage in dialogic pedagogy. Finally, implications for film education, lifelong learning and professional development are considered.

• Item Type: Thesis (Ed.D)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: film, film education, film studies, adult education, lifelong learning, continuing education, educational theory and practice, narrative inquiry, interview research.
• Subjects: L Education > L Education (General)
• Colleges/Schools: College of Social Sciences > School of Education
• Supervisor's Name: Odena, Dr. Oscar and Enslin, Prof. Penny
• Date of Award: 2019
• Depositing User: Ms Martine Pierquin
• Unique ID: glathesis:2019-75127
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 30 Oct 2019 10:39
• Last Modified: 03 Aug 2022 16:05
• Thesis DOI: 10.5525/gla.thesis.75127
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/75127