Cineliteracy: Language Learning Through Short Films is a much needed guide for language teachers seeking to integrate multimedia into the language classroom.
Divided into two parts, the first part offers an extensive introduction to a number of strategies for using moving images in the language classroom, considering different age groups and language levels. It also introduces a theoretical framework of film studies terminology, which enables teachers to understand the pedagogical applications of film in the language curriculum.
Part II offers a series of practical studies based on the use of short films in the language classroom. This section covers the key issues and strategies related to individual languages and different levels of proficiency.
The focus throughout is on the use of short films and short silent films, rather than feature length. Short films provide a practical way to include film within a regular class hour. They also offer much greater flexibility in terms of bridging the gap between students with weaker listening skills (who would struggle with a full length film) and those with stronger skills. Silent short films in particular provide stimulus for a range of activities that can be tailored to different levels and different target languages.
A companion website hosts a series of practical language-specific 'Study Packs' for French, German, Mandarin, Spanish and English. Each language is supported by several 'Study Packs' based on short films in the language as well as silent short films. Each 'Pack' guides students through a film with a range of activities designed to enhance aural skills and intercultural understanding.
Designed to be used at the A2/B1/B2 level/Intermediate-Low to Intermediate-High, the 'Packs' can easily be simplified or adapted to higher levels as required. Each pack includes notes and lesson plan suggestions for teachers with a link to the film.
Cineliteracy: Language Learning Through Short Films is key reading for language teachers and student teachers.
About the Author: Dr Carmen Herrero is Principal Lecturer and Head of Spanish at Manchester Metropolitan University (UK), where she has been lecturing in Spanish Language and Hispanic Film and Cultures since 1995. She is also the co-founder and co-director of FILTA (Film in Language Teaching Association) [www.filta.org.uk].
Reviewer 1 - "The author has many years of experience in producing pedagogical materials that involve both language and film: I can think of no better person in the UK to carry out this work."
Dr Isabelle Vanderchelden is a Senior Lecturer in French studies at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Ana Valbuena is a Spanish tutor at the Instituto Cervantes in Manchester and a co-founder of FILTA. She has offered teacher training and teacher development workshops for Spanish language teachers.
Jessica Frye currently works as a lecturer on the MA TEFL at the Manchester Metropolitan University and co-founder of FILTA.
Yanmei Wu is a Mandarin tutor at the Manchester Metropolitan University.
