Dead Poets Society

Dead Poets Society is a very interesting film from the point of view of the pedagogical ideology in my opinion. This film is so multifaceted that every time I talk about it, another topic comes to mind. In this movie, we see problems of independent choice of life path, the theme of friendship and betrayal, the conflict of generations and it is not an exhaustive list of topics raised in the film. The awakening of the human “I” among the desert of socially- acceptable life scenarios will always conflict with social structure.

The actions take place in the elite prop school. We can see some principles used at this school, for example, the school itself is conservative.  From the first sight, it seems that the school has solid form of education, with its own statutes and laws, where all the children must comply with them. Then a new charismatic teacher, John Keating, appears and his lessons differ from those of his colleagues. Keating forces students to tear an introductory article to a collection of poetry and it is not without a reason. He is trying to wake their true personality, their true interests.

Moreover, the Dead Poets Society itself is an opportunity to live in these free, creative, social relations. In his methodology, Keating uses the form of individualization it means that he helps students understand their own needs, interests and goals of learning,  creates conditions for the  realization of their abilities and also supports students in creative self-embodiment. He adapts his pedagogical forms and methods to the individual characteristics of the students. In my opinion, his goal was to teach children to think independently, not to be afraid to have their own opinion and to be able to defend it.

Parents also have a great influence in this triangle, very often parents do not see their children, do not see their individuality, want to embody in them what they themselves once could not or want their children to follow in their footsteps, thinking that this is the only right way and the best way.

Watching this film, we can see in ourselves two sides of personality: the first is human, free, who I really am as an individual and the second side of adaptability, socialization, loyalty, meeting required expectations, etc.

I would say this is one of the must watch films for educators, parents and students.