New registrations are now closed for the 2009 IATEFL site. The forum content is for reference only.
Films in the EFL classroom
- Login to post comments
Fri, 03/27/2009 - 04:03
Hi everybody,
In my experience, there are hundreds of ways to use films in the classroom, and we´ve come a long way since first introducing those which were "close captioned" and not easily available unless you could travel and buy them. Now they are everywhere, subtitled in their original English version and ready to be played shortly after they have been released.
What is your own experience as teachers?
Which films do you prefer? Whole films or excerpts? Long ones or series? Sketches? New ones or classics?
How do you use them? When and where?
Which activities have been the most fruitful in your teaching environment?
Which films have been the most memorable for learners?
Hoping to get new ideas, and to contribute with mine!
Cheers,
Graciana
Sat, 03/28/2009 - 21:59
#2
Hi Graciana, Chris and all,
First of all, I want to present my deep gratitudes for you both for contributing in complete enthusiasm to our forum as well as for being much innovative and creative in this area of ouur concern.
Films are good entertaining tools that can benefit our students very much. However, not all films fit learning. I have never tried films in class because there is a lack of class equipment and most, importantly, other constraints impose themselves like time constraint.Other poblems have to do with the absence of data show and special educational movies and televisions and sometimes, even the absence of electricity demotivates the teacher. So, for students to effectively learn from films, I think there should be special media rooms for that.
I like watching films that have to do with university life or that portray problem students' hardships at schools or in universities. I am thinking soon of showing my students an exciting film. Which film can you suggest?
Best,
Rachid
Sat, 03/28/2009 - 22:11
#3
Hi Chris and Rachid,
Your questions were very interesting, Chris, as there is an inevitable comparison when you read a book and watch the film adaptation, and there is always something lost and something gained.
Rachid, I would strongly recommend "Slumdog Millionaire" or, within the classic lot, "Dead Poets´Society". Anyway. there is so much to choose from!
Cheers,
Graciana
Sun, 03/29/2009 - 00:52
#4
Hi All,
Hi Rachid, there is a film that I find particularly interesting: Pay it Forward, it is about a boy and the way he puts in practice his teacher´s assignment . I just focus on this part for the film is rather sad. the assignment reads: "think of an idea to change the world and put it into practice."
Best
Pilar
Tue, 03/31/2009 - 03:45
#5
Hi Maria!
Great film! Children loved it, and the message is so moving!
thank u for reminding me of it- the music is also very sweet
Cheers
Graciana
Hi Graciana
Thanks a lot for opening this thread! I think this is one of the most interesting topics we can discuss here. Just would like to add one question:
How do you see the relationship between the film & the book? Have you ever used film adaptations of books in the classroom? How do you design activities for that?
Looking forward to hearing about our forum members' choices and experiences :)
Cheers - chris