Cinema is one of the most familiar things in our life. But is it possible to learn English while watching a movie? The ECAC gave a positive answer. ELC Teaching Fellow, Mr. Lance Michelson, hosted the workshop “Art of the Cinema” on 25 March 2022.

Before the start of the workshop, Lance brought his homemade popcorn and soft drinks.  Participants chatted with each other, just like in a real cinema. During the workshop, students were put in pairs: one facing the screen, while the other facing the audience.  While the silent film was being played, the student facing the screen described the film, and the other guessed the title of the film according to the others’ description. After that, students watched a short film entitled “Validation” together. Lance paused the film in important parts to teach students the keywords and how they are pronounced correctly, incorporating speaking practice while watching movies.  By carefully interpreting every sentence in the movie, participants improved their English listening and speaking skills while better understanding the plot. After the short film, students were put in pairs again and continued playing the interpreting and guessing game.  Finally, the theme of the movie was highlighted and encouraged to be integrated into life to help students enjoy life better, which was the sublimation of the sense of this workshop.

This workshop attracted students from undergraduate and post-graduate programmes.  The ECAC will also hold other workshops to encourage UM students to learn English not only in the classroom but also in daily life.

Written by Zhang Fangbo, ECAC Student Ambassador