Using 'Tell Me' for critical literacy in teaching English through movies

Ki, wan Sung

Article

Journal of English Teaching through Movies and Media 2006;7(2):25-50.
Published online December 30, 2006.

Using 'Tell Me' for critical literacy in teaching English through movies

Abstract

The purposes of this study are two fold: First, this study examined students' experiences about using movies through the surveys in order to better understand approaches to and rationale for integrating movies into course material. Second, it initiated observation into the practice of critical literacy in which students watched and engaged in 'tell me' activities in order to analyze various aspects of movies. The results of the survey data showed that the students used movies mostly to learn language skills but were aware of the limitations of such practices. Therefore, considering movies as another form of text with different texture, which do not, naturally or exclusively, possess better quality or elements of ideal language input, this paper demonstrated a critical literacy activity of 'tell me' in oder for students to engage in in-depth readings of the movies in concern. Accordingly, this paper emphasizes that EFL teachers should be aware of the constructed nature of movies and should provide students with ample opportunities to analyze constructed meanings of specific scenes and events in order to enhance students' critical thinking skills as well as their general language abilities.

Key Words: movie English;critical thinking;critical literacy;tell me