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Helping EFL beginners learn with video
Watching television and video can motivate learning because most
learners find it entertaining. However, it is important to ensure
that learners are actively engaged in their learning rather than
just sitting back and passively relaxing. Viewing activities should
give learners a purpose in watching a sequence and help them focus
on aspects of the video that can benefit their language-learning
capabilities.
This is the strategy of active viewing described by Lonergan (1984).
As a lot of information on videos is non-linguistic, it is also
important to assure learners that they need not understand ALL the
information. The activities aim to encourage viewing and participation
to increase understanding, not to test it. Learners can also be
encouraged to predict/discuss in their first language group and
collaboratively generate answers in English. On the other hand,
transfer activities such as using scenarios as models for role-plays
can prepare learners for real-life English use. As well, teachers
can create excellent practice opportunities in authentic language
use by organizing class excursions and visits where learners can
draw on peer support.
Some considerations for selecting videos for EFL beginners:
1. length:
maximum of around 3-5 minute per segment
2. contexts:
authentic everyday language use
3. actions/visual cues:
not just talking heads
4. option of subtitles:
English subtitle for pronunciation practice and reading skill development
5. number of characters:
not so many in one segment that learners are confused about who's who
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