Training language teachers to use short films in the language classroom: innovations and challenges

Herrero, Carmen ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1392-4224 and Vaderschelden, Isabelle (2023) Training language teachers to use short films in the language classroom: innovations and challenges. In: Rethinking Multimodal Literacy in Theory and Practice. Peter Lang, Berlin, pp. 121-140. ISBN 9783631853917 (hardcover); 9783631901380 (ebook)

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Abstract

The Open World Research Initiative (OWRI)-funded Teacher Training Project aims at developing a framework for embedding film more systematically into Modern Foreign Language (MFL) teaching. Using film and media in MFL teaching can pose certain practical and pedagogical challenges, both in secondary schools and higher education. Taking the case of the language curricula in the UK, it can be difficult to reconcile the need for visual literacy training and the constraints of the programme at lower levels of language proficiency. To address this issue, we developed a teacher training programme focused on using short films. The project also created a competition which involved reviewing short films and piloted it in several schools as an innovative method to integrate intercultural competence and film literacy into existing modern languages syllabi. The positive feedback received shows that reviewing short films enhances key language skills as well as it significantly encourages critical appreciation, communication of ideas, and development of intercultural awareness.