An Alternative Teaching Tool Video Clips for Teaching the English Writing Skill

Abstract

Tideo flms are cowidered by traditional teachers as just light entertainments. They hove technical dfficttlties associated with using them in the language classroom. Ifowever, these days, language teqchers recognize the potential of the video films as a language teaching aid. They take advantage of the videofilmsfor teaching allfour skills. The content of the film provides the opportunities for language practice. Moreover, language can be wed to explore the content. In trfyanmar, wh*e English as aforeign language is actively used only in the classroom, video films ofer ucellent language exposure to studmts outside the classroom- llideos make language learning enjoyable and fun. They mativate both the students qnd the teachers. The presenter u,plores the possibilities ofutilizing the video clips for language teaching at tertiary level. Several video clips are selected and the content-bqsed approach is used n teachfirstyear students at the University of Computer Studies, Panglong. The video clips are used not only to teach language but also to release it from the students repertoire. The tasks are carefully planned beforehand and the students' btowledge of the vocabulary and npic are checked. Sqeral taslcs such as video review, alternative ending, and summary writing are given. It Lt found that although there are some obstacles to surmount, video clips are a welcome addition to the repertoire of language teaching aids.