Video Journals

Can the benefits of journaling be used to improve speaking?

After reading an article about recording students speech, I am thinking it would be worth a try.

The Idea

The original article focused on recording journal entries on tape and having students exchange them, which sounds like a whole lot of work on the teacher's end.

What I propose is that a student video journals and asks a question to the audience. They upload it to something like Youtube. Other students watch it and answer the question.

How to Do It

Students start with a topic related to class. Based on their level, they must speak about the topic for a predetermined period of time.  They record their spontaneous speech using a web cam (you can do this directly on Youtube).   At the end of the talk, the student must ask one or two questions to their audience. They upload it to YouTube.  Have your students "tag" the video with the name of your class so it is easier for everyone to find it.

To follow up, have students trade Youtube usernames.  The goal is to then have students listen to each other and give feedback, answering the questions either by a responding video, or in the comment section.

Example

Here is an example topic that could be given to students.

Read the Quote

"If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter."
George Washington

Without planning beforehand, answer the following questions in about 3 to 5 minutes.


1. What do you think this quote means?
2. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

3. What current events do these quotes remind you of?
4. Ask a question to your audience at the end (What do you know about... How do you feel about...)

As the follow up assignment:

Listen to a partner's monologue and answer their question at the end.  On their video, comment on one thing that you enjoyed about their talk.

Benefits

I've found that ungraded journals has really improved my students writing. When they are forced to produced for a certain amount of time but only for a participation grade, they feel like they are doing a good job.

It helps confidence. They know they can produce a certain amount of English. It also helps them hear their peers and learn from them as well.

Let me know if you give it a chance! How did you do it and how did it work out? Do you feel like it improved their speaking?

Source

Mir, M. (2006). Idea: Using "Oral Journals" to Develop Speaking Fluency, Self-Confidence and Much More! Hispania, 89(3), 559-561.