A Methodology of Using Movies to Teach English: A Case of the Movie Back to the Future

Takako, Shimizu

Article

Journal of English Teaching through Movies and Media 2005;6(1):209-220.
Published online June 30, 2005.

A Methodology of Using Movies to Teach English: A Case of the Movie Back to the Future

Abstract

This paper is a working progress report on how the movie Back to the Future is being used in English teaching. For the past 10 years, English movies have been introduced into my classes. Movies first provide material for verbal communication activities in realistic contexts. Next, movies lead students to nonverbal communication awareness and understanding of different cultures. Finally, movies enhance not only intellectual understanding, but also emotional development through compassion for the characters in movies. This paper tries to show how to teach English through using the movie so that students may study English as a communication tool which involves both knowledge and mindfulness.

Key Words: verbal communication;nonverbal communication;role-play;culture