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

Abstract

Video films are considered by traditional teachers as just light entertainments. They have technical difficulties associated with using them in the language classroom. However, these days, language teachers recognize the potential of the video films as a language teaching aid. They take advantage of the video films for teaching all four skills. The content of the film provides the opportunities for language practice. Moreover, language can be used to explore the content. In Myanmar, where English as a foreign language is actively used only in the classroom, video films offer excellent language exposure to students outside the classroom. Videos make language learning enjoyable and fun. They motivate both the students and the teachers. The presenter explores the possibilities of utilizing the video clips for language teaching at tertiary level. Several video clips are selected and the content-based approach is used to teach first year 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’ knowledge of the vocabulary and topic are checked. Several tasks such as video review, alternative ending, and summary writing are given. It is found that although there are some obstacles to surmount, video clips are a welcome addition to the repertoire of language teaching aids.