The main principle is to engage the students. She approaches the students with materials that speak to them and that adapt to their interests, regardless of their situation. She also provides a diverse set of tools that convey the information effectively, stimulating curiosity and social interaction while acquiring new knowledge. Therefore it becomes visible that Mrs. Gruwell makes use of the Progressivism teaching philosophy developed by John Dewey.  Its teaching philosophy emphasizes inquiry-based learning, problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity in the classroom. Aggressive change is supported by the political theory or ideology known as progressivism.

Progressives think that education should be a continuous process of personal development rather than only a means of preparing students for adulthood. Our class is a clear illustration of progressivism.

1.    Using a tape recorder – 00:20:04

2.    Switching & changing student seat position – 00:21:43

3.    Error recognition or correction – 00:27:24

4.    The line game – 00:41:12

5.    Journal Writing- 00:45:32

6.    Reading Motivation – 00:55:49

7.    Field trip – 01:03:45

8.    Toast for change – 01:10:08

9.    Class discussion or debate – 01:36:57

10. Watching the documentary film – 

11. Cooperative writing learning -  01:52:29

Through the completion of tasks and activities that the instructor assigns, students actively engage in the process of learning information, ideas, and skills through active learning. This model is based on the idea that determining what and how students should learn is at the core of creating significant learning, and that by using systematic tools to develop answers to these questions, one can implement a pedagogically sound method of developing learning activities.

 

Case Method: The case method is a teaching style that involves students in lively debate about the concerns and difficulties that arise in real-world situations. Case method classes don't follow a predetermined script like lectures do. In the case approach, brief cases are created based on actual events and are followed by open-ended questions to promote students' critical thinking. To prevent pre-directing students' thinking, short cases are employed.

 

By adding this metaphor into his teaching strategy, he is encouraging students to go beyond the bounds of their past understanding and approach his lesson from a new angle. By employing this technique, Mr. Keating installs confidence in his students' uniqueness and the veracity of their own beliefs by demonstrating the dangers of conformity and the "difficulty of sustaining their own beliefs in the face of others" (Keating, 1989, 1:00:56).

Since Mr. Keating has now established a relationship with his pupils that is centred on them and encourages them to consider their own identities and worldviews, this approach is known as the "hook." Additionally, Mr. Keating shows how what students learn in the classroom relates to what they already know by having them perform poetry to music or kick a soccer ball. This taught youngster that there are several ways to recite poetry, which helped them draw on their own strengths in self-regulation and self-esteem to strive toward being confident learners. This strategy upholds moral principles and creates a moral language, while also providing important learning opportunities that encourage students to take calculated risks and perceive themselves as independent thinkers who can resist social norms. Mr. Keating challenges accepted instructional teaching methods and establishes new ones that are built on integrity, strength, and respect for others. This encourages students' expectations for future learning while also promoting their social and emotional wellbeing.

 

It is clear from watching and analyzing these two educational movies that the principles they present would be useful in a South African context. The Freedom Writers Diary's most important theme is tolerance and understanding. The only reason Gruwell's kids hated one another was because they believed it was expected of them based on stereotypes and gang history. They learned from Gruwell that they actually shared more things in common than they were willing to admit. You must work hard to develop your unique voice.” It's far too simple to join the crowd, to believe and speak for everyone else even though we don't agree with them. But maintaining our convictions and hearing our own voices can be more challenging. According to Mr Keating, you need to make an effort to develop your unique voice. It's far too simple to join the crowd, to believe and speak for everyone else even though we don't agree with them. To maintain our convictions and hear our own voices, however, is more challenging. Similar to the teenagers in the film, South African youngsters face numerous challenges in our society. They will benefit from using relatable and relevant literal work. It is important that the teacher makes use of different teaching strategies so that the learners can learn productively, just like in the films, the teacher must find a specific method that will suit the specific learners. Don't be stuck in the old traditional way of teaching.