Using feature films in language classes

Seferoglu G.

EDUCATIONAL STUDIES, cilt.34, sa.1, ss.1-9, 2008 (SSCI) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 34 Sayı: 1
  • Basım Tarihi: 2008
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1080/03055690701785202
  • Dergi Adı: EDUCATIONAL STUDIES
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1-9
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: educational technology, digital versatile discs, language learning, feature films, classroom research
  • Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This study aimed at finding students' perspectives on integrating feature films on digital versatile discs (DVDs) in oral communication classes of advanced English as foreign language (EFL) learners. A total of 29 students being trained as teachers of English participated in the study. Data were collected through a survey questionnaire. All participants unanimously agreed that through films they had the opportunity to learn about how people initiate and sustain a conversational exchange, and how they negotiate meaning; types of exclamation and filling expressions; colloquial English in real-life contexts, and non-verbal communication. Participants also acknowledged that viewing feature films exposed them not only to a wide range of native speakers, each with their own slang, accents and dialects, but also to a wealth of contextualised vocabulary expressions and authentic cross-cultural information. The study suggests that it is possible to exploit feature films in foreign language classes with a wide array of pedagogical options.