
The Berkeley Language Center
Cordially Invites You to the Upcoming Meeting of Its
Found in Translation (FIT) Working Group
Academic English Language Acquisition and Cultural Awareness:
Filmmaking with English Language Learners
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JIA LI
John A. Sproul Research Fellow, Berkeley Language Center
Associate Professor, Faculty of Education, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Canada
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Friday, March 22, 2019
12 – 1 p.m. in B-4 Dwinelle Hall
This talk reports on an action research project that engaged university English language learners (ELLs) in drama and filmmaking activities based on a Canadian novel. It aimed to enhance their learning of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and develop an in-depth understanding of Canadian culture. This presentation will describe the instructional strategies used in the project, particularly the production and postproduction of the short film combined with motion pictures and video clips. The results show that filmmaking can be a meaningful task that captivates students’ imagination, enhances their motivation through compelling multimedia, and raises students’ cultural awareness. Excerpts from the film will be presented during the talk along with suggestions for further research and language instructional innovations using films and filmmaking activities.
ABOUT FIT:
We are a growing group of U.C. Berkeley community members interested in language, culture and cross-cultural communication. We invite you to join us!
Refreshments and discussion to follow. Questions: Contact Elyse Ritchey elyseanneritchey@berkeley.edu and Vesna Rodic vrodic@berkeley.edu