Using Film in the Classroom

Here at ELA, we believe that variety is the spice of life. Learning, like all things,  can get boring if you do the same thing all the time. That's just one of the many reasons why videos are an important part of our eclectic approach. Here are some of the other factors that can make videos such a useful tool in the classroom.

An introduction to authentic material

We want our students to be exposed to as much English language culture as possible. By watching TV programmes and films in the original English version, learners are likely to pick up new expressions and hear a wider variety of accents. However, this can be intimidating and many students wrongly think it is too difficult for them. Introducing shorter, more manageable videos in a supportive classroom atmosphere can persuade students they are capable of watching longer videos at home.

For the Teacher

From a teacher's perspective videos can be tailored to every level from beginner to advanced. We can choose what grammar points to raise and what vocabulary to highlight as long as we plan in advance and watch the video ahead of the lesson! There are also lots of fantastic websites to help you incorporate film into your lessons.

Share critically acclaimed short-films with your students

For the student

Students often find videos a welcome change from the textbook and can understand vocabulary more easily as the video provides a natural context. Videos can also inspire incredibly student-centred activities where learners take their mobile phones out of the classroom to create their own videos.

One of ELA's Interactive smartboards

Technology plays a vital role in any modern ELT classroom. Our school is lucky to boast two interactive smartboards and internet access in every classroom. There really is no excuse not to utilise film!

A New Year's Resolution: Use Grammar Accurately to talk about the Future

Welcome 2018!  Welcome our annual promises about the year ahead!  It's the time of year to make resolutions about what we will do (or are going to do) in the next twelve months. But, as we all know, choosing the right tense to talk about the future is not always easy.

Popular resolutions

This week the teachers and students at ELA-Edinburgh have been making their own resolutions. Three of the most popular were
   * Cook a new recipe everyday
 * Spend less money
  *Walk to school

The problem is, what tense should we use to express these promises?

‘Will’

Most textbooks will tell you to use will (or future simple) for promises. If you somebody tells you a secret you might promise “Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone.” As resolutions are a type of promise it can make sense to say “I will walk to school every day”.

‘Going to’

However, the most natural way to talk about resolutions is with ‘going to’. We use this tense to talk about plans, things we have decided to do. This means that “I’m going spend less money” sounds a lot more serious than “I’ll spend less money.”

What are you going to do in 2018? Tweet us @E_L_Academy to tell us your New Year’s Resolutions!!