Teaching English as a foreign language in a new country is an exciting adventure. However, finding high-quality, engaging resources can be challenging, especially when you’re on a budget. Luckily, the internet offers a treasure trove of free video content that can be invaluable for TESOL teachers abroad.
Here’s a curated list of some of the best free video feeds to enhance your lessons and captivate your students:
1. YouTube Channels:
- EngVid: This channel features hundreds of lessons by experienced English teachers covering grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and exam preparation. With diverse teaching styles and personalities, you’ll find something to suit every learner.
- BBC Learning English: This channel offers a wealth of resources, including news reports, dramas, and documentaries specifically designed for English learners. Their “6 Minute English” series is perfect for short, engaging lessons.
- VOA Learning English: Voice of America provides news and current affairs videos with clear narration and subtitles, ideal for practicing listening comprehension and building vocabulary.
- Easy English: This channel features real-life conversations with subtitles, helping students understand natural English pronunciation and intonation.
2. TED Talks:
- TED: TED Talks offer inspiring and thought-provoking presentations on a wide range of topics. With subtitles available in numerous languages, they can spark discussions and introduce new vocabulary.
- Link: https://www.ted.com/
- TED-Ed: This channel features animated educational videos on various subjects, making complex concepts accessible and engaging for learners.
3. Educational Platforms:
- Khan Academy: Khan Academy offers free educational videos on a wide range of subjects, including grammar, writing, and test preparation.
- Coursera: While Coursera offers paid courses, many also have free audit options, allowing you to access video lectures and other materials.
4. Movie and TV Clips:
- Short clips from movies and TV shows: Use short, engaging clips to teach vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation in context. Websites like Film English offer free lesson plans and activities based on film clips.
Tips for Using Video in the TESOL Classroom:
- Choose relevant content: Select videos that align with your learning objectives and cater to your students’ interests and language levels.
- Prepare pre-viewing activities: Introduce key vocabulary and concepts before showing the video to activate prior knowledge.
- Use subtitles strategically: Subtitles can aid comprehension, but consider turning them off for certain activities to challenge students’ listening skills.
- Pause and discuss: Pause the video at key moments to check comprehension, discuss vocabulary, and encourage student interaction.
- Follow up with activities: Reinforce learning with post-viewing activities like discussions, writing tasks, or role-plays based on the video content.
By incorporating these free video resources into your lessons, you can create a dynamic and engaging learning environment that caters to diverse learning styles and helps your students achieve their language goals. So, grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and let the learning begin!
