A Different Way of Addressing Literacy: Moving Image in the English Language and Literature Classroom

This workshop was really designed to help teachers incorporate moving images into the EL classroom in relation to the new EL syllabus.

Some notes "pasted" from the workshop;

Workshop outline

-An introduction to film terms
-Practical ways of using film to teach analytical skills, structure and character
-Approaches to teaching literature through film
-How to use film and media to enhance writing and creativity

Intended outcome of the workshop

-Consider a range of materials and teaching approaches in using film and media in the classroom to support students’ writing and creativity
-Feel confident about using film and other media in the teaching of the writing and representing strand of the English Language Syllabus 2010

Examples of literary techniques(in reference to LO4 {Writing & Representing} of new EL syllabus)

-Narrative:
flash-back
twist in the tale
withholding information for suspense

-Characterisation:
direct speech
interior monologue
behaviours reflecting personality

Important terms that aid in using moving images for the teaching of EL

- Mis-en-scene:
A French term for ‘what’s put in the scene’. Establishes mood and atmosphere and can express the inner life of characters through the interplay of props, actors, use of colour and light, the way these elements are composed.

-Diegetic sound:
Sounds that are part of what’s going on in the screen (footsteps, thunder, car horns…)

-Non-diegetic sound:
Sound that is not part of what’s going on in the screen, such as the soundtrack. Can be used to indicate character’s state of mind or to generate audience response

Other important factor to include are the angles and the effects it has.

Some suggested use of film is the EL classroom include teaching the narrative structure through film. Either through the 3-part structure
- hero faces a problem which they want to solve but there are obstacles
- hero tries everything but they all dont work, hero is failing
- the hero finds a solution, film ends

or

In the caseof the worksheet provided, uncovering the typical conventions found in a horror movie, spy thriller or monster movie.

Also included among the suggested activities are:

-narrative writing through the use of storyboards,
-watch and predict
-Movie and text comparison

Again, most of the activities here are more inclined towards teaching of literature rather than EL per sae. In terms of EL, film provides an excellent and rich resource to study the narrative form as well as an alternative form of expression.