The Role of Film in ELT: A Case Study of a Hong Kong Classroom

Stacey Wai Chuen NG

Asian Journal of English Language Teaching ›› 2005, Vol. 15 ›› Issue (1) : 69-94.

PDF(74 KB)
PDF(74 KB)
Asian Journal of English Language Teaching ›› 2005, Vol. 15 ›› Issue (1) : 69-94. DOI: 10.65961/AJELT-2005-1-004
Articles

The Role of Film in ELT: A Case Study of a Hong Kong Classroom

  • Stacey Wai Chuen NG
Author information +
History +

Abstract

With its visual attraction, engaging effect, and wide appeal, film has become an increasingly popular content medium in the ELT classroom. This article reports on a study which investigated the use of film to enhance students' English at a university in Hong Kong. The study analyzed the students' opinions and behavioral patterns in the learning process in great depth and detail. Results of the analysis show that based on the students' past experience in general, films had helped to improve their listening and speaking skills, knowledge on authentic conversations including slang and idiomatic expressions, familiarity with foreign culture, and critical thinking skills. Five important factors in the course affecting the learning process were identified: the instructor, the students, choice of film, cultural differences, and film knowledge taught. Finally, the study shows that after taking the course, students perceived themselves to have made improvements in listening, critical thinking, presentation and discussion skills, as well as the knowledge on foreign culture.

Cite this article

Download Citations
Stacey Wai Chuen NG. (2005). The Role of Film in ELT: A Case Study of a Hong Kong Classroom.Asian Journal of English Language Teaching , 15(1): 69-94. https://doi.org/10.65961/AJELT-2005-1-004

References

Altman, R. (1989). The video connection: Integrating video into language teaching. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company.
Cady, J. (1995). Films in English class: Going beyond a content approach. In C. Casanave & D. Simons (Eds.), Pedagogical perspectives on using films in foreign language classes (pp. 18-27). Tokyo, Japan: Keio University SFO.
Casanave, P., & Freedman, D. (1995). Learning by collaboration and teaching: A film presentation project. In C. Casanave & D. Simons (Eds.), Pedagogical perspectives on using films in foreign language classes (pp. 28-39). Tokyo, Japan: Keio University SFO.
Chapple, L. (1999). Critical approaches to the use of film.Guidelines, 21 (2), 19-29.
Chapple, L., & Curtis, A. (2000). Content-based instruction in Hong Kong: Student responses to film.System, 28, 419-433.
Charge, N., & Giblin, K. (1988). Learning English in a video studio.ELT Journal, 42 (4), 282-287.
Christopher E.,& Ho, S. (1996). Lights, camera, action: Exploring and exploiting films in self-access learning. In R. Pemberton, E.S.L. Li, W.W.F. Or, & H. D. Pierson (Eds.), Taking control: Autonomy in language learning (pp. 185-110). Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press.
Cook, J. (1995). The art of observation: Developing the writing process through film.TESOL Journal, 5 (2), 6-8.
Cuban, L. (1986). Teachers and machines: The classroom use of technology since 1920. New York: Teachers College Press.
Doye, C. (1998). Films for self-study.Modern English Teacher, 7 (4), 60-63.
Epstein, J. (1999). Mr. Bean in the ESL classroom.TESOL Journal 8, (3), 41-42.
Fujishima, N. K. (1995). The listening-viewing diary in an advanced listening/ speaking class. In C. Casanave & D. Simons (Eds.), Pedagogical perspectives on using films in foreign language classes (pp. 52-62). Tokyo, Japan: Keio University SFO.
Furmanovsky, M. (1997). Content video in the EFL classroom.The Internet TESL Journal, 3 (1).
Gareis, E. (1997). Movies in the language classroom: Dealing with problematic content.TESOL Journal, 6 (4), 20-23.
Garza, T. J. (1996). The message in the medium: Using video materials to facilitate foreign language performance. Texas Papers in Foreign Language Education, 2 (2), 1-18. Austin, TX: The University of Texas.
Goette, G. (1992). Movies and EFL teaching.English Teaching Forum, 30 (3), 41-42.
Goldman, M. (1996). If you can read this, thank TV.TESOL Journal, 6 (2), 15-18.
Hardy, T. (1995). An anthropological perspective on film in the language class. In
C. Casanave & D.Simons (Eds.), Pedagogical perspectives on using films in foreign language classes (pp. 70-77). Tokyo, Japan: Keio University SFO.
Hess, N., & Jasper, S. (1995). A blending of media for extensive reading.TESOL Journal, 4 (4), 7-11.
Holden, W. (2000). Making the most of movies: Keeping film response journals.Modern English Teacher, 9 (2), 40-46.
Kasper, L. (2000). The imagery of rhetoric: Film and academic writing in the discipline-based ESL course.Teaching English in the Two-Year College, 28 (1), 52-59.
Kasper, L., & Singer, R. (2001). Unspoken content: Silent film in the ESL classroom.Teaching English in the Two-Year College, 29 (1), 16-31.
Krashen, S. D. (1982). Principles and practice in second language acquisition. Oxford: Pergamon.
Lebedko, M. (1999). Video as a resource for teaching American culture.TESL Reporter, 32 (1), 1-8.
Linder, D. (2000). Video is a listening activity, but with images.TESOL Matters, 10 (1), 15.
Linke, S. (1981). Using video-taped movies with advanced ESOL students.Cross Currents, 8 (2), 13-21.
Liversidge, G. (2000). What do EFL students see in introductory sequences of movies.The Internet TESL Journal 6 (3).
Madsen, P. (1974). The impact of film: How ideas are communicated through cinema and television. New York: Macmillan Publishing.
Merriam, S. (1998). Case study research in education: A qualitative approach. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass Publishers.
Morley, J., & Lawrence, M. (1971). The use of films in teaching English as a second language. Parts I and II.Language Learning, 21 (1), 117-135.
Morley, J., & Lawrence, M. (1972). The use of films in teaching English as a second language. Part III.Language Learning, 22 (1), 99-110.
Nunan, D. (1992). Research methods in language learning. New York: Cambridge University Press.
Pally, M. (1997). Critical thinking in ESL: An argument for sustained content.Journal of Second Language Writing, 6 (3), 293-311.
Pierson, H. (1992). Film, powerful language & cultural bridge in cross-cultural communication. Occasional Papers in English Language Teaching, 2, 47-58. Shatin: The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Quebbemann, F. (1991). Using the movies.English Teaching Forum, 29 (3), 27-28.
Ross, N. (1991). Literature and film.ELT Journal, 45 (2), 147-155.
Ryan, S. (1998). Using films to develop learner motivation.The Internet TESL Journal, 4 (11).
Shea, D. (1995). Whole movies and engaged response in the Japanese University ESL classroom. In C. Casanave & D. Simons (Eds.), Pedagogical perspectives on using films in foreign language classes (pp. 1-17). Tokyo, Japan: Keio University SFO.
Shimizu, Y. (1995). Finding the last puzzle piece through conversion. In C. Casanave & D. Simons (Eds.), Pedagogical perspectives on using films in foreign language classes (pp. 40-44). Tokyo, Japan: Keio University SFC.
Stempleski, S., & Arcario, P. (Eds.) (1993). Video in second language teaching: Using, selecting, and producing video for the classroom. TESOL, Inc.
Takahashi, Y. (1995). The portrayal of women in American films: A scenario for misunderstanding. In C. Casanave & D. Simons (Eds.), Pedagogical perspectives on using films in foreign language classes (pp. 3-70). Tokyo, Japan: Keio University SFC.
Tatsuki, D. (1997a). Low-tech laser learning: Can less be more? System, 25 (1), 55-63.
Tatsuki, D. (1997b). Is the movie the same as the book? A classroom activity comparing novels and movies. TheInternet TESL Journal, 3 (2).
Tatsuki, D. (1998). Comprehension hot spots in movies: Scenes and dialogs that are difficult for ESL/EFL students to understand.The Internet TESL Journal, 4(11).
Tatsuki, D. (1999). Video in the language lab: teaching vocabulary.The Internet TESL Journal, 5 (10).
Tatsuki, D. (2000). Developing film study guides.The Internet TESL Journal, 6(3).
Tudor, I. (1987). Video as a means of cultural familiarization.System, 15 (2), 203-207.
Voller, P., & Widdows, S. (1993). Feature films as text: A framework for classroom use.ELT Journal, 47 (7), 342-349.
Williamson J.,& Vincent, J. (1999). Film is content: A study guide for the advanced ESL classroom Ann Arbor, MI: The University of Michigan Press A study guide for the advanced ESL classroom. Ann Arbor, MI: The University of Michigan Press.
Wood, D. (1995). Film communication theory and practice in teaching English as a foreign language. Lampeter, UK: The Edwin Meller Press.
PDF(74 KB)

Accesses

Citation

Detail

Sections
Recommended

/