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EL-Civics on the
Border |
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Project and
Activity Description |
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Problem-solving
Video: What a Mess! |
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Students work in a group and identify a common
problem. They prepare basic storyboard of problem and solution, then shoot
and edit a video. |
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Teacher:
Eduardo Honold |
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Level: Intermediate
and Advanced ESL |
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Learning
objectives: |
- Develop
language skills for problem or conflict resolution
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- Learn
video storyboarding, filming, and editing
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- Use
English in a realistic setting
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Materials: |
- Handouts(
I think We Have a Problem, Other Sticky Situations, No Chance to Get a
Driver’s License, Now What Let’s Do a Video)
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- Video
camera, tripod, computer, video editing software
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Products
created by the students: |
- “What
a Mess” (3 ½ minute video with music)
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Time
required: 6
hours (3 class sessions) |
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Steps: |
- Pre-activities:
Problem
scenario handouts allow students to explore a variety of simple everyday
problems. Students read the problem and discuss what they would do and
say in that situation. In groups, students discuss more complex
scenarios such as No Chance to Get A Driver’s License, and discuss the
fairness of laws and our ability to change them.
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- Activities:
Students
brainstorm to choose a problem scenario that might be dramatized in a
video. They use some of the suggestions in the handouts or they develop
their own scenarios. Students read handout on making a video and then
discuss storyboarding and storytelling through video. In groups,
students storyboard the scenario, write, and practice dialogue. Scenes
for the video are shot outside of the classroom and
edited.
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- Post-activities:
Students showed the video to other ESL class, and presented the video
during teacher training.
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What
worked?
By writing and practicing a script, students were able to develop English
skills in a real setting. Even though they wrote the dialogue, much of
what the students said was improvised. Students loved making this video
because they could see themselves interacting in English. It gave them
greater confidence that they can use their English skills in real
situations. They took charge of the entire creative process surrounding
the video-making process and were very proud of the results.
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Tips
and suggestions: |
- Students
should be completely familiar with the use of the video camera and basic
camera techniques before they go to film on site in order to get as much
usable footage.
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- Using
a tripod is a must for a more professional look.
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- Students
should ask for permission to film outside the
classroom.
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- Students
should plan for excessive background noise and other disturbances.
Remind students they may have to re-shoot some scenes due to poor sound
or bad lighting.
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- Keep
edited videos relatively short in order to maintain audience
interest
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- Encourage
students to practice script in class so you can give them feedback on
pronunciation and grammar.
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- Save
mistakes caught on tape and retakes for “bloopers” video. They will
enjoy seeing those after the project is completed.
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Materials
documenting the project: |
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