Using popular films to challenge preservice teachers' beliefs about teaching in urban schools

Three popular films reflect many ideas that preservice teachers have about teaching in urban schools: Dangerous Minds, Stand and Deliver, and 187. These movies reinforce naive beliefs about teaching and learning by depicting classrooms in which students find right answers, authentic learning consists of using street language, and students are only extrinsically motivated. Teachers in these movies are defined by their personal involvement with students as they rescue them from the pathology of their homes and communities. These images can be used as starting points for reflection about learning and teaching, diversity, and working in educational communities.