Selection and Use of Films in Second Language Learning

Abstract: Film is a teaching resource offering great possibilities in the English language classroom. In the curriculum for the English courses at upper secondary school in Sweden (Lgy11), it is mentioned four times that film should be included when teaching English. However, most films are not produced for the purpose to educate, but to entertain. This essay focuses on how to select films appropriate for second language learning. My study examines the work of teachers at the upper secondary school-level in Sweden, and more specifically how they select films for English teaching to their students. Starting with the hypothesis that selecting films for language teaching could be problematic, my results have instead shown that, in general, the participants did not find it problematic to make film choices. Other important findings regarding what needs to be considered when selecting films include the following: checking for content appropriateness, re-using films, including important themes, considering language usage, using different formats of films, and using film adaptations of literary works. In general, there are many advantages in treating film as a language learning resource when teaching English to second language learners, which creates many opportunities for language teachers.