Films "perfect" for teaching English as a Second Language

AN academic from Manchester Metropolitan University has backed new research looking at the importance of showing films in the classroom for ESL teachers.

Dr Carmen Herrero, Head of Spanish at MMU and Co-director of the Film in Language Teaching Association, said: “Due to the increasing importance of visual and media images, films have a great potential in the language classroom.

“Films are rich multimodal texts containing linguistic meaning, but they also incorporate other modes that are sometimes more difficult to illustrate or provide in the standard language lesson, such as the gestural component.

“Films are perfect vehicles for introducing students to different types of popular culture and engaging them with critical questions about the relationship between information and power, through the critical analysis of socio-political issues and intercultural relationships.”

Wizards, spies and inventors

More than three quarters (76%) of ESL teachers surveyed said that they showed films in class to enhance lessons and help students improve their understanding of the English language.

The research, by Kaplan International Colleges, found that the Harry Potter films were the most popular among ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers, with 18% saying that they showed the films based on JK Rowling’s bestselling books during lessons.

Wallace and Gromit came in second place with 14%, and James Bond completed the top three with nine per cent.

Kaplan surveyed more than 500 ESL teachers from 40 countries to discover what tools they use to enhance their lessons.

The full release from Kaplan International Colleges can be read online at: http://uk.prweb.com/releases/2013/4/prweb10651473.htm