Pixar and Pedagogy Part 1

Before their domination of the box office with their feature films, Pixar made a name for themselves with their short films. Fortunately they have continued their tradition of making top-notch animated shorts. Due to their short duration these films make great openers for discussions at staff meetings or grade level meetings.

If you saw Ratatouille in the theater or own it on DVD you most likely have seen the short film Lifted. Of all the Pixar shorts this is the easiest to set as the center of discussion about instruction and assessment. The tagline for the short tells you everything you need to know: Failure is an option.

Before viewing the short I usually set the stage with a brief introduction to the short. I state that we are about to view an assessment of student performance, and that we should take notes on the types of feedback the student receives.

As soon as it starts you can tell who has already seen it. There are chuckles and titters since they know what's coming. However, this is soon replaced by silent scrutiny as they begin to look at this not as something lighthearted and entertaining, but as a comment on instructional practice and student assessment.

After viewing Lifted, we discuss the types of feedback the student received, whether or not it will help him develop mastery, and what we would have done differently if it were our student.

If you already own Ratatouille on DVD you're all set. If not, Lifted is also available for purchase as a short film from for $1.99.

Next up: what does a rabbit have to do with classroom management?