Week 8: Using Videos and Films in Second Language Acquisition (continuation from Week 7)

WEEK 8: 

Using Videos and Films in Second Language Acquisition (continuation from Week 7)

During this session, we learnt about various suggestion on using videos and films as teaching material in the classroom. In our class session, we look at Forrest Gump movie. In my opinion, this movie do contain meaningful values, where it gives an insight on political issues and ways of life. I think this is quite a resourceful movie and it is also a way of  teaching general knowledge in an English language classroom. However, teachers need to choose which part that is appropriate for the learners. Further, in my opinion, this movie is suitable for higher secondary students where they have develop on their general knowledge and could somehow relate to the movie. For example, achieving his dreams despite living in hardships.

Moreover, the authenticity of the films do help language learners in acquiring the second language. Learners will make an effort and use learning strategies in understanding the films. For example, observe the characters, their action and context. This will give learners a strong clues for words that they might not understand.

Another important part in using video and films is, it involve three major stages in video activities. There are; pre-viewing, viewing and post viewing. Pre-viewing involve bringing out learners’ background knowledge on the topic being studied. Meanwhile, viewing stage is where the learners are provided with task or activities while watching the films and post viewing is where learners practice the language or completing exercises on the video. This is  also applied when teachers teach reading. Teaching reading also involve three stages of reading activities, such as pre-reading task, reading text and post reading. The first step also include gathering on the learners’ background knowledge and the post reading task often involve learners doing exercises to test on their comprehension.

In short, videos and films are a way in which teachers could bring varieties in learning styles. According to Dale, the experiences in each levels can be mixed and interrelated, hence there must be a balance between real life and abstract experiences to cater to the needs of the learner.

BY:

FATINAH