Speaker
Description
Incorporating films into the language learning classes has been found to be motivating for students. Films serve as educational tools that can be used for a variety of pedagogical purposes (Kalra, 2017; Khan, 2015, Curtis, 2003; Lofgreen & Brown, 1981). However, the time necessary to devote to using films in class is prohibitive for many teachers who have curricular constraints such as textbook requirements and other tasks. Short films are an excellent alternative to bring film into classes and provide many of the pedagogical opportunities that full-length films provide without the time commitments required to view such films. In addition, there is easy access to short films as YouTube and other video hosting services provide an endless amount of videos with more being added daily. Short films can be used as standalone lessons, supplemental lessons, or warmer activities. The short films can be utilized to practice and improve the four skills or introduce cultural content. Short films also offer a great opportunity to help foster soft skills through collaborative tasks. This poster presentation will present a variety of methods for using short films in an intermediate Listening and Speaking class at a Japanese university.