Speakers
ABSTRACT
Language classrooms provide a safe space for learners to express themselves and experiment with language, but efforts often result in wonderful work and creative ideas that are never seen outside of the classroom. Sharing work with a wider audience beyond the classroom provides an invaluable opportunity for “authentic learning” (Neumann and Wehlage, 1995), but limited opportunities exist, particularly in second language contexts. In this talk, presenters will explore the Reel Voices Film Festival - a new international film festival for language learners held annually. This platform allows HS and university students anywhere in the world to showcase their work, interact with others, and receive feedback and recognition on their achievements. Researchers will report on the first year of a study that investigates the impact of entering films on autonomy, learner empowerment, and community building. They will report on the success of the event and share some student experiences. Through this case study, they will share lessons learned and practical suggestions for teachers who want to create or organize a variety of student showcasing events between classrooms, schools, and communities. The presenters hope the results will inspire attendees to encourage learners to enter the 2026 film festival season and start sharing!
KEYWORDS
Film, Community, Learner Empowerment, University
| TITLE | Reel Learning: Impact of Student Showcasing in a Film Festival |
|---|---|
| RELEVANT SIG | College and University Educators (CUE) |
| FORMAT | Research-oriented Oral Face-to-face presentation (25 minutes, including Q&A) |
