A Functional Approach in Teaching Communication through the Use of Films

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to show that a series of short segments taken from one commercial film can be successfully utilized to teach oral communication. Although films are often used in language classes, mainly for their motivational effect on learners, film-based college English textbooks designed to teach oral communication are still limited, and, for most teachers, the use of films, such as in film-based dictation exercises, only plays a minor and supplementary role in the oral communication classroom. In this study, film-based teaching materials, based on a functional syllabus, were created from the film Pretty Woman. Important characteristics of the main activities and curriculum designing principles are described in detail, and the results of actual implementation are discussed, based on data from lesson observations and questionnaires. The results of the learners’ evaluation of the class reveal that film-based communication teaching significantly increased their motivation and interest in the class. Finally, the study suggests more film-based communication textbooks, especially designed for high beginners and pre-intermediate learners with low motivation to study English, should be created.