Content-based Instruction in Hong Kong: Student Responses to Film.

Abstract Despite the growing interest in the use of content-based instruction approaches in ESL 2 and foreign language learning settings, the use of such approaches in Hong Kong and elsewhere in southeast Asia is still relatively limited. Similarly, film as a source of content in language courses is often still limited to providing visual support for other text-based and language content activities. In this study, 31 Cantonese tertiary-level students taking a General Education course taught in English at the Chinese University of Hong Kong were asked to rate their own English language skills development in relation to six specific areas. They were also asked to identify and elaborate on what they had learned in relation to other aspects of the course. The responses of the students show that they rated their English language skills as having increased in all areas, particularly their speaking and listening skills. Another important finding was the students' rating of their increased confidence when using English. The students also identified other aspects of learning, which came under three headings: analytical/critical thinking skills; different perspectives/broadened understanding; and content/technical film knowledge.