Avatar (2009) is an epic science fiction film that waited for 15 years until the necessary technological developments allowed Cameron to shoot what he wanted. The movie under discussion depicts several problems, however, it is possible to apply an adult learning theory to it, especially the one developed by Carl Rogers.
The main idea of adult learning is that students have an opportunity to choose what they want to study, how they want to enroll in the learning process, etc. Carl Rogers claims that the way people “see or perceive themselves could influence how they perceive the world and interpret the events around them” (in Fasokun, Katahoire, & Oduaran, 2005, p. 54). His self-theory has influenced adult learning greatly. According to this theory, people have an opportunity to be themselves. It is possible to apply the movie under consideration to Rogers’ theories. In this respect, the main character of the film, Jake Sully, being in Pandora, wants to know more about the life of its residents, and he does it. He remains himself, even when he is demanded to betray.
According to the principles of learning declared by Rogers, “human beings have a natural potentiality for learning” and “much significant learning is acquired through doing” (Quinn, 2000, p. 54). Jake unites with Pandora’s nature, learns to rule a pterodactyl-like predator, talks to the Tree of Souls which is considered to be sacred, and does all possible to become involved in the traditional life of Pandora residents to know more about them.
Rogers once said that “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination” (in Burger, 2007, p. 293). These words can be considered as the main principle of this humanistic theory which states that a teacher should just offer the sources of learning (like Neytiri did for Jake). Neytiri did not teach Jake, she did not show him what he should do, she just instructed him about the surrounding world and what it may mean. After learning about the basic principles of life in Pandora, he understands that he wants to know more. Neytiri shows him the most sacred places to provide him with the main sources of knowledge. Getting acquainting him with the tribe, she points to people who are close to her. It is Jake who searches for information and understands everything. When the whole tribe considers him a betrayer, he finds ways to show that it is not true.
According to Rogers’ person-oriented approach, “when a therapist is experiencing a positive, acceptant attitude towards whatever the client is at that moment, therapeutic movement or change is more likely to occur” (Bryant-Jefferies, 2005, p. 3). Applying this concept to Jake Sully and Neytiri and the adult learning, it is possible to conclude that Neytiri was a person who perceived Jake as he was. She did not try to impose her ideas on him, she just told Jake her vision of the surrounding world. It may be said that she motivated him to study, to become closer to nature, to their traditions and culture to help him understand the real estate of life, the real beauty, and the sense of human existence.
Jake’s struggle on the side of Pandora residents shows that he had managed to learn, that he understood that human desire to take the bait from simple people who just want to live in the world which was created for them and where their ancestors lived is much more sacred than the science and resources, even though they are numerous.
Reference List
Bryant-Jefferies, R. (2005). Person-centred counselling supervision: personal and professional. Oxford: Radcliffe Publishing.
Burger, J. M. (2007). Personality. Stamford: Cengage Learning.
Cameron, J. & Landau, J. (Producers), & Cameron, J. (Director). (2009). Avatar [Motion picture]. USA: 20th Century Fox.
Fasokun, T., Katahoire, A., & Oduaran, A. B. (2005). The psychology of adult learning in Africa. Cape Town: Pearson South Africa.
Quinn, F. M. (2000). The principles and practice of nurse education. Cheltenham: Nelson Thornes.