25 September 2015 / by James Ekins

Use of videos to teach topic activities in an ESL class

A great benefit of being able to use the internet in the classroom is the ability to draw on it for some excellent, previously inaccessible resources for learning. Perhaps most notably, the use of videos in a class can prove to be extremely useful. But, as with all things, there is a right and a wrong way to do it. So what should the standards or requirements of using a video be?

 

It is important to remember that although we have this power, we should be using it responsibly. It makes no sense to rely on having a video that you can chuck on and distract the students with for an hour or so. Really, it should be no longer than between about 2 and 5 minutes; this is long enough that the students can engage and practice listening skills whilst (hopefully) learning something from it, while still being brief enough that the student does not lose focus on the subject entirely. If possible, provide a short summary of the content of the video in the activity notes, so that if for whatever reason a teacher is having difficulty accessing the video or getting it to work effectively, there is some information on hand that you can fall back on. Technology will not always be your friend!

The idea is that the use of videos should serve mainly as an optional part of the class, a supplement to an article or a text related to the subject. Unless you can provide an exact transcription of the video, it would be a risky idea to bank on the video being enough all on its own. Basing an activity off an article that includes a small video on the same page will often provide ample inspiration and resources. Many blogs and news organisations follow this formula on their own websites, so you should hopefully always be able to find something interesting to talk about and look at with your students.
As in all classes, there should be several topic activities prepared to teach, and the same should (in a perfect world) be true of the use of videos in these activities. If we are to assume that at least one topic will be discussing current affairs and news events, and at least one other topic will be discussing something more general, you can find a huge wealth of content on most things that you could wish to talk about, and so scouring to find an appropriate video should not take too long.

 

The most important thing for a good use of videos in the classroom is that (of course) the students can use it to learn something from it. Whether it is the main focus of discussion or a springboard onto something else, if the students cannot understand what is being said then there is a major problem. The biggest cause of confusion is that the speaker cannot be understood because of an accent issue (which can often be negligible), or because the speaker is too fast. A good rule of thumb is to find a video that speaks no faster than you would feel comfortable speaking to your students with the confidence that they will be able to understand. If it is too quick for them, the exercise is redundant. This is also true of the vocabulary used in the video; it must require a level of comprehensive difficulty that matches your students, or it will quickly become more of a burden than an asset.

 

We offer you an example for use of videos in an  ESL activities. Take a look at the activity Trump for president and the related video.

 

Learn more about use of videos in your classes here:

EDUTOPIA

Enjoy!

 

27

October 2017
The teachers are in the epicentre of the Oxinity growth model
by Jonatan Buxeda
Today I'd like to share what we have...

17

October 2017
Frustration of Students: Common Scenarios and How to Manage Them
by Jushua Cutts
‘’Mistakes are he portals to discovery’’ Frustration is defined as the feeling of being upset or annoyed as a result of being unable to change or achieve something. This is a common feeling that ...

06

October 2017
Teaching kids: challenges and winning strategies
by Gabriel Ekoe González
In an increasing demand for English classes,  important points to consider when teaching kids are how to teach also what makes a good kids’ activity. Perhaps the most important thing to consider when teaching kids is their attenti...

04

July 2017
10 Real Reasons to do a TEFL Course in Spain
by Radmila Gurkova
TEFL Course in Spain - The time is now! July and August are the best months to decide to make the step into sunshine by signing yourself up to a TEFL course in September here in Spain. It's the perfect time to start something new. If you are a native English speaker or bilingual and you have an upbeat,...

04

July 2017
7 Tips on Giving Feedback to ESL Teachers
by Peter Nesbitt
Giving feedback to ESL teachers can be tricky, particularly when you have something critical to say. But yet it is also important, as without it, how can people learn? Sure, they can rely on their own self-evaluation of how they are doing, but if you have ever watched any TV talent show, you will see that a lot of people just aren't very good...

21

June 2017
Teacher Talks - Sharing expertise and experience
by Ryan Beaudelaire
Teacher Talks - Sharing expertise and experiences Things worth sharing We´ve had something up our sleeve for the last few weeks and we´re ready to do what we love and sha...

06

June 2017
Level testing: How to test a student's level?
by Ryan Beaudelaire
Level testing: How do you do it? Level testing...... Ooooh, lets talk! Unless you've been asked that awkward question outright: 'What level am I?' You won't know what's it like to to be a deer in the headlights and respond with something really daft in a high pitched voice like.... 'Yeah, really good!' Li...

02

June 2017
Teaching beginners: is translating really necessary?
by Radmila Gurkova
A big debate around teaching beginners has always been whether it is necessary or not to translate into the learners' mother tongue. Opinions are split and vary from definitely not to maybe sometimes yes or, in the other extreme, of course yes, translating is fast and effective. Translating seems straightforward and historically it has bee...

18

May 2017
Masterclass in ESL at Oxbridge to share and learn about expertise areas
by Gracia Guzmán
The Oxbridge English Teaching System (OETS) is made out of a wide and wide community of teachers from different countries and backgrounds. Offering a masterclass in ESL for different areas of expertise was necessary and easy at the same time, having in mind the richness of profiles of our community members. This is why we are currently devoti...

02

May 2017
Move to Spain - Have my life! It´s easy
by Ryan Beaudelaire
Move to Spain - Have my life! It´s easy! Last Sunday, this is how we spent our Sunday afternoon, chillin' up the Mountain at Montserrat! Just another mountaintop Benedictine monastery you know! ...