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Genres
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DirectorJeremy Stuart
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Release Date2016
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MPAA RatingNR
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Runtime1 hr 29 min
Class Dismissed: A Film About Learning Outside of the Classroom is a documentary that explores the modern education system in the United States and addresses the problems and limitations of traditional schooling methods. The film follows a family as they embark on a journey to explore alternative forms of education, such as home-schooling, unschooling, and self-directed learning.
The film's central message is that traditional education is inherently flawed and systematically fails to meet the needs of diverse learners. The film argues that these learners may benefit from alternative forms of education that allow for more flexibility and personalization.
The family in the film, whose children are being homeschooled, travel across the United States and Canada to meet other families and individuals who have opted for alternative modes of education. The filmmakers interview a variety of educational professionals, including psychologists, educators, and homeschooling parents, to explore the different models of education and what they offer in terms of student development.
Throughout the film, the family's children are shown engaged in activities that support their learning and growth including; baking, woodworking, horseback riding, and creating art projects. The filmmakers emphasize the importance of allowing children to learn and grow at their own pace and to follow their own interests, rather than forcing them to learn a standardized curriculum.
The film also touches on the impact of technology on education, highlighting online learning as an alternative to traditional schooling. The family visits an online learning center, where they participate in a virtual classroom with peers from around the world. The children are shown navigating online resources and collaborating with peers to complete projects and assignments. The film suggests that technology offers potential solutions to some of the challenges faced by traditional education, such as limited resources or geographic isolation.
Overall, Class Dismissed offers a thorough examination of the problems of the traditional education system while showcasing the alternatives that exist. The film is well-produced and engaging, using a mix of interviews, montages, and animations to maintain the audience's attention. It is also thought-provoking, raising significant questions about current educational practices and encouraging viewers to challenge their assumptions about what constitutes effective education.
The film's success lies in its ability to demonstrate that alternative forms of education can be highly effective, inspiring viewers to consider different paths for themselves or their children. It offers a balanced perspective on the benefits and challenges of homeschooling, online learning, and alternative models of education while stressing the importance of personalized learning to accommodate the diverse needs and interests of students.
In conclusion, Class Dismissed: A Film About Learning Outside of the Classroom is an informative and thought-provoking documentary that offers an insightful critique of the traditional education system while also providing a window into the world of alternative forms of education. Anyone interested in education, whether they are parents, educators, or policymakers, should watch this film to gain a more in-depth understanding of the possibilities and limitations of different models of education.
Class Dismissed: A Film About Learning Outside of the Classroom is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes.