Making personalised videos

Innovator: Slavica Jankuloska, http://www.linkedin.com/in/slavica-jankuloska-4b3b5427

Organisation: Secondary vocational school, Skopje

Setting of the practice: online

Description of the practice:

In this practice students learning English as a second language make videos on different topics using their phones or affordable computer technologies. Topics are on personal preference and are of an unlimited content. Students are encouraged to make a video about for ex. their worst/best day ever; daily routines; best job ever; description of summer/winter holiday; showing their talent; presentation of their favourite activity etc.

This challenge encourages students to speak and write about themselves, their real experiences, their culture and their authentic lifestyle. Students develop organisational skills as well since they have to make the whole video with pictures, text, music etc.

They also learn how to tell a story and listen to other classmates their original and authentic experiences, stories and opinions.

This practice is innovative because it involves the personal experience of the student into the process of learning. Students are more motivated to learn when learning is personalised. This practise develops students speaking and writing skills as well as organisational skills and creative and critical thinking. It also helps learners to bond among themselves and creates a positive team work atmosphere as well as acceptance of differences and positivity.

The role of the teacher is to encourage students to share their real stories and make learning easy and fun. Learning the English language not just as a language but also as a medium for sharing stories, knowledge, wisdom, talent, culture, tradition, life experiences etc.

This type of learning activity is fun, engaging, amusing, bonding and creates a team atmosphere. It helps students develop number of important skills as well as make the classroom more personalized.

Afterwards each student can give feedback to other students on their videos. It can be used for peer assessment as well.

Overall this is a positive practice for learning English as a foreign language and should be exercised at least twice in a semester.