Using Video in the Chinese Language Classroom

Hsiao-wei Rupprecht, University of Toronto

Video helps foreign and second language learners in the language learning process. In language instruction, “videos” refer to live-action and animated feature films on DVD as well as television news and commercials. Furthermore, videos refer to scripted, filmed dialogues specifically designed for classroom use. Researchers identify two main reasons for employing videos in language instruction. First, students enjoy learning languages by watching entire feature films, segments of films, cartoons, short pieces of television broadcasts, or filmed dialogues. When students are interested in the instructional material, they learn more efficiently. Second, students are able to grasp messages in a target language more easily if they not only hear the words but also see the actions of the speakers. Visual cues such as facial expressions and bodily gestures, which only videos can provide, facilitate viewer comprehension. In this paper, I will focus on the different ways of incorporating video into language instruction at the college level. I will discuss recent research and how to use video to develop proficiency at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. In my discussion, I will provide specific examples of videos to use at each level and describe, by drawing from my own teaching experience, the steps an instructor should take when presenting these videos to students.