The use of short films in learning English as a foreign language

Abstract

The challenges presented in higher education today are the consequence of a different vision of the uncertain and changing social reality. Respect for life, for the human being, and learning to live with others constitute fundamental elements for the formation of competent professionals. Therefore, essential that teachers update their teaching methods and strategies to create an atmosphere in which learning can be dynamic and active. This research aims to analyze the student's perception at ESPOCH Morona Santiago Campus about the advantages and disadvantages of participating in short films in English as an end of semester project. For the development of this research work, a qualitative approach was used because it allowed the analysis of each student's opinions about their participation in a short film in English. A group of students from the second and third levels of English from the careers of Environmental Engineering, Accounting and Auditing, Zootechnics and Mining were selected. A survey was applied to them through which it was possible to demonstrate that, after they participated in this educational activity, they were able to improve their pronunciation, their speaking, and their collaborative teamwork. The students also observed that they lost their fear of speaking English in public and that their interpersonal relationships improved, while their self-esteem increased. Therefore, most of them suggest that these activities continue as an end of semester project as it is an innovative, active, and fun way to learn English as a foreign language.