Scaffolding Linguistic and Intercultural Goals in EFL with Simplified Novels and Their Film Adaptations

US Department of State. Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of English Language Programs, SA-5, 2200 C Street NW 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20037. e-mail: etforum@state.gov; Web site: http://americanenglish.state.gov/english-teaching-forum-0

Y

8

Scaffolding (Teaching Technique); Films; English (Second Language); Second Language Learning; Second Language Instruction; Grade 8; Grade 9; Novels; Cultural Awareness; Authors; Intercultural Communication; Language Skills; Teaching Methods; Foreign Countries

1559-663X

This article argues that exposure to culture will help students develop complex linguistic and cultural skills. The authors discuss the use of graded literary readers, audio resources, and films. They present a detailed description of the implementation and results of two simplified novel modules in an EFL program. One module was taught to students from the upper intermediate eighth and ninth levels of the English program. It focused on the novel "1984" by British writer George Orwell. The second module was taught to students from the sixth level of the English program, ranging from high beginner to low intermediate levels, and was structured around "Of Mice and Men," by Nobel Laureate John Steinbeck (2002b). Using these modules, students can approach and interact critically with other cultures, utilizing a graded literary reader and its audio and film versions to aid in the acquisition and strengthening of complex linguistic and cultural skills.

ERIC

28

2016

EJ1096286