Teaching culture through videos

• Main Author: Shilpa
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: 2012
• Subjects: Culture; Foreign language teaching; Videos
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2152/ETD-UT-2012-05-5810

This study examines the importance of teaching culture in foreign language education. Different goals for teaching culture are reviewed, emphasizing the advantages and implications of having the Standards for Foreign Language Learning Preparing for the 21st Century (1996, 1999, 2006). A historical overview of varied approaches to teaching culture is presented, starting with the traditional facts-oriented approach, and leading to modern approaches that focus on developing critical thinking skills. The report analyzes the use of videos in foreign language teaching, highlighting their many advantages. Empirical studies supporting the use of videos in teaching culture are reviewed. The literature review indicates that videos have only been used to teach cultural facts so far. In response, a pedagogical model based on videos is proposed that encourages a critical-thinking approach to culture. The model is explained using a video-based lesson for intermediate level learners. === text