You know the value of using movies to improve your language abilities, but have you considered using documentaries or short films?

These two forms can cause some controversy. Some individuals adore them, while others require strong encouragement to get started. Documentaries are powered by facts, numbers, and proof that need cerebral processing, whereas short films are frequently more intellectual or experimental.

However, the factors that make them harder also make them great teaching resources.

Why are short films and documentaries used in English language classes?

Give kids a compelling reason to learn

Since viewing videos on YouTube or Vimeo is a regular part of their lives, watching movies might inspire English language learners. Since most films and short videos circulating online are in English, students are genuinely interested in protecting them in class as part of their education.

The length of the video isn't significant to today's teenagers or adults who are learning. They are familiar with shorter movies and larger ones—clips, trailers, ads, etc.—. They will be thrilled to learn the language in their preferred internet films. Additionally, they will be able to learn more about political, social, and cultural challenges in nations that speak English.

When it comes to documentaries and short films, you need to be extra cautious to provide an engaging lesson—we'll go through how to achieve that in a moment.

Give a visual backdrop

You already know that viewing movies creates a whole visual background. As a result, in addition to observing the movements and facial expressions, you must pay attention to the words and sentences utilized. In short movies (between a few minutes and less than an hour), viewers are likelier to pay attention so that they may understand the content quickly.

Short deadlines have a particular way of inspiring exceptional achievement. As a result, comprehension is aided even before the student turns to a dictionary for definitions by viewing documentaries, which seamlessly combine increasingly challenging English language concepts and phrases into the visual.

Introduce kids to discussion from the real world

Listening to genuine speech helps English language learners accept the realism of spoken English in everyday situations. This is true for all movies, but the length of short movies favors your students. They will have to work with more straightforward film parts and minor language.

Working in groups can benefit from the length feature. Ask pupils to consider what would occur if the movie lasted longer or to do vocabulary exercises using the terms used. They could even perform conversation that was written out for them. Regarding documentaries, you can provide even more rigorous and challenging language tasks to follow with more demanding documentaries.

There are many different activities to pick from:

You may use documentaries as the starting point for difficult discussions in your advanced English language sessions. In-depth language-based activities can supplement short videos. Encourage role-playing and games where speaking English is the main focus. Read the "how" section below for more suggestions for activities.

Improve your linguistic abilities in all areas

Of course, all linguistic abilities are boosted after watching a documentary or short film. In particular, hearing is improved with a creative approach, so the student isn't forced to engage in a dull listening activity.

Similarly, subtitles and the many exercises you've created for learners (such as the synopsis, the screenplay, etc.) can help with reading and comprehension abilities. Writing is improved depending on the tasks the students will complete; for example, they may write a journal entry about the documentary they just watched or an alternate film finale.

Following the short or documentary, speaking is, of course, creatively enhanced. Rich oral practice can be produced through role acting, language games, or group discussions. Isn't it fantastic? Watching documentaries and short films can help you improve your English language abilities in a fun way.

They may quickly be included in any lesson plan

Naturally, a shorter film will be more superficial for you, the busy instructor, to include in your lesson plan. You can pick shorter films or even crucial segments of a lengthier documentary to watch in class if the documentary is longer.

How to Use Documentaries and Short Films to Teach English

There are numerous effective ways to use these fantastic tools for teaching, but I'll outline my approach here. It is given in 5 simple steps that will make it easier for you to connect with your students and include them in the viewings and activities.

Constantly consider the ages and linguistic proficiency of your pupils

This portion is accessible. The Internet is filled with vast information, particularly on Youtube and FluentU. However, it would help if you remembered to take this action. You wouldn't want to pick dull or absurdly simple movies for your advanced students!

Conversely, your primary kids need help with highly challenging short videos and documentaries. How unfortunate, huh? Here are a few instances from my EFL lessons that I'll use to illustrate my point.

The Academy Award-winning short film "The Most Beautiful Thing" by Cameron Covell would be a good option for young adults or grownups in elementary school. Most of this movie is centered on the narrative, the compelling visuals, a few writing lines, music, and very few English-language words, so even novices may watch it and complete the associated tasks you give them.

If you want to help your advanced pupils with subjects like intolerance or racism, a good example for more advanced students may be the documentary "A Class Divided."

Decide the usage of subtitles

Using subtitles is the best option. According to my own experience, subtitles are necessary even for expert learners. What language, though? Of course, English! For them to fill in any missing words or phrases while watching the movie, you might also provide them with handouts with subtitles.

You must determine if they would perform this task more effectively in pairs or alone. They might do this subtitle-writing task before or after viewing.

Keep theme routes in mind at all times

It can be based on the subject of the module you're studying in your coursebook, or it might be related to a holiday (such as Halloween, Christmas, or Chinese New Year), or it might be related to a field of study (such as history or geography).

Additionally, you may choose from subjects like thematic word categories (such as food, employment, the environment, etc.) or more complicated issues like human rights or special needs.

Always plan for language and comprehension exercises

You can't just hit the "play" button to start playing the DVD or media file! If you want these lessons to enhance your classroom teaching experience, you should have prepared a thorough lesson plan, student handouts, and demanding exercises.

Pay special attention to the requirements of younger kids

Although I was interested in adolescent or adult learners for this post, I can't help but advise readers who are tutoring younger English language learners. Consider incorporating brief videos into the correct language exercises. Modern animation movies are highly entertaining and helpful in the classroom. Watch "Paddington" or "Penguins of Madagascar."

Depending on your students' language proficiency, you might also use the wide selection of subtitled movies on FluentU. You may explore this fantastic collection of videos by topic or visit this English language teaching website to learn more beginning ideas and locate step-by-step tools. Enjoy watching documentaries and short movies in your English language courses, and happy viewing!