Learning against the clock: Examining learning and development concepts in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Abstract

Media and popular culture reach broad audiences and have the potential to be an invaluable teaching resource in terms of promoting adult education and learning. Human resource development instructors can use media artifacts (e.g., films, television, novels, and cartoons) as useful methods to demonstrate learning theory and adult development concepts. In this article, we review The Curious Case of Benjamin Button to identify how learning theories and adult development concepts are represented in the story of a man who ages in reverse. Results indicate multiple adult learning and development concepts are represented in the film, thus making it a useful method for instructors to use in course that explores learning theory. We offer suggestions and discuss implications for using media and popular culture for HRD teaching and practice.