Using DVD and Video in Your ESL Class - Part One
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Reference Education -> subcategory Other.
Using DVDs and Videos in Your ESL Class: Part One
Engaging Students with Movie Clips in ESL
Ever wondered how to effectively incorporate movies into your ESL lessons without simply pressing 'Play' and watching passively? Here are some engaging strategies using short film clips to teach new language concepts and enhance communication skills.
1. Sound Only
Select a short clip filled with sound effects (2-3 minutes). Play the clip without video, asking students to jot down what they hear. For example, if there are birds singing or a baby crying, students can practice:
- Present Continuous: "Some birds are singing. A baby is crying."
- Past Continuous: "Some birds were singing. A baby was crying."
- Modals: "It must/might/can’t be birds singing."
- Reported Speech: "I heard some birds singing."
Afterwards, have students compare notes in pairs and discuss what they heard. Finally, reveal the clip with both picture and sound to satisfy their curiosity.
2. Video Only
Play a clip without sound, focusing on visual actions or emotions. Have students:
- Narrate using past tenses.
- Describe the scene.
- Predict dialogue or reactions.
- Match dialogue strips to the scene.
Once done, play the clip with sound to see how closely their thoughts align with the actual content.
3. Jigsaw Viewing
Emulate jigsaw reading by splitting viewing tasks:
- Half the class watches without video; the other half without sound. Then, they collaborate to piece the story together.
- Alternatively, seat students back-to-back: one row watches with audio and video, the other row hears only. They then exchange details to complete the narrative.
- Use headphones for one student to listen, while others watch without sound. They decode the scene together through questioning.
4. Rewind Viewing
Select a dynamic scene, like someone reacting to a phone call and rushing out. Play it in reverse. Have students recount the events in chronological order using appropriate tenses, then reveal the correct sequence for comparison.
5. Pause/Freeze Frame
Utilize the pause button to freeze interesting expressions or actions. Engage students by:
- Describing the paused scene.
- Predicting the character's next move or reaction.
After discussion, release the pause to see actual outcomes.
Conclusion
Using videos dynamically can energize your ESL classes. By focusing on short snippets with clear language objectives, you can provide a richer learning experience, moving beyond passive viewing to active engagement.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Using DVD and Video in Your ESL Class - Part One.
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