The Role of Subtitled Movies in Improving TOEFL Speaking Performance

Are you looking for a fun, effective way to boost your TOEFL Speaking performance? Dive into the fascinating world of subtitled movies! In this episode of the TOEFL Speaking Prep Podcast, we explore how watching movies with subtitles can transform your language learning journey. From improving pronunciation and fluency to expanding your vocabulary and understanding cultural nuances, movies are more than just entertainment—they’re powerful tools for mastering English.

Discover the insights from over two decades of global research, innovative teaching techniques using movies, and how AI-powered tools like SpeechRater take movie-based learning to the next level. Learn how to engage with movies actively, structure your study sessions, and use this immersive approach to excel in the TOEFL Speaking section. Plus, we’ll share tips on choosing the right films and activities to make your learning experience engaging and effective.

Tune in and find out how the magic of cinema can help you become a confident communicator. Happy watching and learning! 🎬✨

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Transcript

All right, so you're prepping for the TOEFL, right? And you're thinking about all the ways you can improve your English skills. Hitting the books is important.

(0:52 - 1:04)
Yeah, but what if I told you that watching movies could actually be a secret weapon for language learning? Sounds pretty good, right? I think so. And it turns out there's a whole lot of research that backs this up. That's right.

(1:05 - 1:17)
We're diving into 23 studies today on how movies can help you learn English and specifically how they can get you ready for that TOEFL exam. Yeah, these studies are pretty cool because they span like two decades worth of research. Oh, wow.

(1:18 - 1:28)
Yeah, and they come from all sorts of different countries too. So it's not just an American thing or a British thing? Nope, not at all. We're talking places like Saudi Arabia, Turkey, China, even Sweden.

(1:28 - 1:34)
It's a global phenomenon. I mean, it makes sense though, right? Movies are everywhere these days. Exactly, and they're engaging.

(1:34 - 1:40)
People love watching movies. For sure. So it makes you wonder why not use that to your advantage when you're learning a language? Right.

(1:40 - 1:51)
And it's not just about enjoying the film. We're talking about actually improving specific English skills that are crucial for TOEFL success. Like what kind of skills? Well, think about listening comprehension.

(1:51 - 2:01)
That's a big part of the TOEFL, right? And then speaking fluency vocabulary and even getting a better grasp of different cultures. All from watching movies. You'd be surprised what you can pick up.

(2:02 - 2:16)
So, okay, let's dive into one of the more surprising findings from this research. Several studies actually found that watching movies with subtitles can be more helpful than watching without. Really? Yeah, I know it sounds counterintuitive, but think about it for a second.

(2:16 - 2:22)
Okay, I'm listening. You're hearing the dialogue and you're also seeing it written out at the same time. It's like a double reinforcement.

(2:22 - 2:38)
Yeah, that makes sense. It helps you connect the spoken word with a written word, which can be super valuable for the TOEFL, where you'll need to be able to process English both ways quickly and accurately. It's like subtitles are giving you a secret decoder ring for the language.

(2:38 - 2:46)
I like that analogy. But of course, it's not just about slapping on any old movie and calling it a study session. Choosing the right movie is key.

(2:47 - 2:54)
Oh, I bet. Yeah, you want something that's engaging, of course, but it also needs to match your English level. Right, you don't want to be totally lost.

(2:54 - 3:07)
Exactly, and it should also align with your age and cultural background, too. Imagine trying to prep for the TOEFL by watching a movie full of slang you've never heard before. That wouldn't be very helpful, would it? Not at all.

(3:07 - 3:16)
It'd be like trying to learn to cook by watching a cooking show in a language you don't understand. Exactly, you might end up with a delicious disaster. That's a great way to put it.

(3:16 - 3:26)
Yeah. So while the research definitely points to the benefits of using movies for language learning, and especially for TOEFL prep, it's not a magic bullet. Yeah, there's a structure to it.

(3:26 - 3:42)
You can't just passively watch. So no movie marathons, then? Well, you can have movie marathons for fun, but if you want to actually learn and improve, you need a more structured approach. Like what kind of structure are we talking about? Well, the research talks a lot about using pre- and post-tests to gauge your progress.

(3:43 - 4:23)
Okay, so you test yourself before watching the movie. Right, to see what you know, and then you test yourself again afterward to see what you've learned. Makes sense. 

And then what else? Another big thing is something called classroom action research, which is a fancy way of saying teachers are using movies in their classrooms to design activities that meet their students' specific needs. Ah, so it's not just about the movie itself, it's about how you use it as a tool for learning. Exactly. 

You have to actively engage with the material, not just passively watch. Got it. So it's about bringing those movie scenes to life and using them as a springboard for practicing your English, especially for the TOEFL, where you'll need to speak and write confidently.

(4:24 - 4:34)
Precisely. And that's where technology can play a really interesting role, especially for the speaking section of the TOEFL. Imagine using a platform that actually incorporates AI-powered tools like Speech Rater.

(4:34 - 4:37)
Oh, wow. AI and language learning. Tell me more.

(4:37 - 4:52)
So you're practicing your speaking, maybe doing some role-playing with a scene from a movie, and this platform can give you feedback on your pronunciation, your fluency, even how you're using vocabulary. Whoa. So it's like having a personalized language tutor built right into your movie-watching experience.

(4:53 - 5:11)
You got it. And this is just one example of how AI is really changing the game when it comes to education and test prep. That's incredible. 

And I have to say, this all ties in really well with something I've been thinking about. A lot of these studies we've been talking about come from countries where English isn't the main language. It's true.

(5:11 - 5:32)
Which shows just how widespread the need is for good English language learning tools, especially for students aiming for the TOEFL. Absolutely. We're talking about a global challenge here. 

And the thing is, access to quality language learning resources isn't always equal. Right. Some students are at a disadvantage because of where they live, their economic background, all sorts of factors.

(5:32 - 5:44)
Exactly. And that's where I think AI can really make a difference. How so? Well, it has the potential to make those high-quality learning tools available to anyone, anyone in the world, as long as they have an internet connection.

(5:44 - 5:53)
So it's like we're leveling the playing field for language learners, giving everyone an equal shot at success. Precisely. And for those aiming for the TOEFL, that can be huge.

(5:54 - 6:11)
It can be the difference between achieving their academic and professional dreams or falling short. That's a powerful thought. Imagine a student in a remote village in India being able to access the same level of feedback and support as a student studying in New York City.

(6:11 - 6:21)
That's the power of technology and AI specifically in the world of education. I'm starting to feel really optimistic about the future of language learning. As you should be, but let's not get carried away.

(6:21 - 6:32)
Right. The research we've been looking at emphasizes that we need to find that sweet spot between using technology and those good old-fashioned teaching methods. So it's not about replacing teachers with robots.

(6:32 - 6:55)
Not at all. It's about finding that balance between technology and human interaction. Exactly. 

We need to create learning environments that combine the strengths of both. So technology and teachers working hand-in-hand to help students unlock their language potential. And as we continue to explore these new technologies and see what they can do, it's so important to remember that the learner should always be at the center of it all.

(6:56 - 7:08)
Couldn't agree more. The goal is to empower individuals to become confident communicators so they can thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. And let's not forget the fun factor.

(7:08 - 7:13)
Exactly. Learning should be enjoyable. Especially when you're tackling a challenge like the TOEFL.

(7:13 - 7:36)
Right. So you're saying we can actually have fun while we're prepping for this big test. Absolutely. 

Learning English through movies can make the entire process so much more engaging. It's like you're absorbing the language naturally through these captivating stories and characters. You're not just passively watching, you're actively engaging with the language, analyzing how it works and expanding your vocabulary in a way that feels organic.

(7:36 - 7:48)
And with these AI-powered tools we were talking about, you can take that engagement to a whole new level. It's like having a personal language tutor built right into your streaming service. It feels like we're seeing a real shift in how people think about language learning.

(7:48 - 8:04)
I think so too. It's not just about memorizing grammar rules and vocabulary lists from a textbook anymore. Right. 

It's about immersing yourself in the language. Experiencing its nuances and connecting with other cultures through the power of storytelling. And that's something movies do exceptionally well.

(8:04 - 8:20)
I think so too. They transport us to different worlds, broaden our perspectives and help us build empathy and understanding across languages and borders. And as we've seen today, the research really supports this idea that movies can be powerful tools for language acquisition.

(8:21 - 8:36)
And with the rise of AI and other cutting-edge technologies, we're only just beginning to tap into the possibilities of language learning. It's an exciting time to be learning a new language, that's for sure. One thing that really jumped out at me from the research was just how many different activities teachers were using to make movie learning work.

(8:37 - 8:47)
It wasn't just about popping in a DVD and hoping for the best. So tell me more about some of the creative approaches. I'm always on the lookout for new ways to spice up my language learning routine.

(8:47 - 8:55)
Sure. Some studies were all about that classic pre-test, post-test method. You know, see how much vocabulary students picked up from watching.

(8:55 - 9:06)
Right. But other studies got way more hands-on. We're talking about group discussions, role-playing scenes from the movie, even digging into the movie scripts to get a better handle on grammar and sentence structure.

(9:06 - 9:34)
Ah, so it's about taking those movie moments and making them a launchpad for actually using your English. Especially for the TOEFL, where speaking and writing confidently is so key. Exactly. 

And that's where technology can step in and really shake things up, especially when it comes to the speaking portion of the TOEFL. Think about this. You're using a platform with built-in AI tools like SpeechRater to give you feedback on your pronunciation, how smooth your speaking is, even how you're using your vocabulary.

(9:34 - 9:58)
Wait, hold up. That sounds like a game-changer for someone like me who gets a little shaky about speaking tests. Who wouldn't want a personal AI coach to help them nail those speaking tasks? It really is a game-changer. 

It's all about making those top-notch learning resources available to everyone no matter where they are in the world. And that brings me to something I've been mulling over. So many of these studies come from countries where English isn't the primary language.

(9:59 - 10:20)
It just goes to show how many students worldwide are grappling with mastering English and getting a good TOEFL score. You've hit the nail on the head. Access to solid language learning resources isn't a level playing field. 

Lots of learners are at a disadvantage. Maybe it's their location, or economic situation, or even just a lack of materials in their native language. It's a real challenge.

(10:20 - 10:30)
It is, but that's where AI can step in and really make a difference. Think about it. AI has the power to make those top-tier learning tools available to anyone with an internet connection.

(10:30 - 10:38)
So we're talking about leveling the playing field for language learners, giving everyone a fair shot at success. Exactly. And for those TOEFL hopefuls, that could be huge.

(10:39 - 10:55)
It could be the difference between reaching their academic and professional goals, or coming up short. I'm starting to see the potential here. Imagine a student in a remote village in India, having access to the same level of feedback and support as a student studying in, say, London.

(10:55 - 11:04)
That's the power of technology, and especially AI, in the world of education. It's pretty exciting. I'm definitely feeling more optimistic about the future of language learning.

(11:04 - 11:12)
As you should be. But let's keep our feet on the ground a bit. The research we've been diving into highlights the need to find that sweet spot.

(11:12 - 11:22)
The balance between using technology effectively, and sticking with good old-fashioned teaching methods. So we're not talking about swapping teachers for robots. Not at all.

(11:23 - 11:32)
It's about finding that harmony between technology and human interaction. Precisely. We need to create those learning environments that blend the best of both worlds.

(11:32 - 11:58)
Technology and teachers working together to help students unlock their language potential. Exactly. And as we keep exploring these new technologies and what they can do, we can't forget about the learner. 

The learner needs to be at the heart of it all. The goal is to empower individuals to become confident communicators, so they can thrive in our increasingly interconnected world. Absolutely. 

And let's not forget about having fun along the way. Right. Learning should be enjoyable.

(11:58 - 12:24)
Especially when you're tackling a challenge like the TOEFL. You're telling me we can actually have fun while prepping for this big exam. Absolutely. 

Learning English through movies can make the whole process way more engaging. It's like you're absorbing the language naturally through these compelling stories and characters. You're not just passively watching, you're actively engaging with the language, analyzing how it works, expanding your vocabulary in a way that feels organic.

(12:25 - 13:23)
And with those AI-powered tools we were talking about, you can take that engagement to a whole new level. Imagine it. It's like having a personalized language tutor built right into your streaming service. 

Okay, so as we wrap up our deep dive into this whole idea of movie learning, let's bring it back to you, the listener, and your TOEFL prep. What can you actually take away from all this? It really challenges how we think about language learning, right? It's not about being stuck with textbooks and memorizing grammar rules. It's about getting immersed in the language itself, experiencing how it's actually used, and connecting with different cultures through these stories. 

It's like you're soaking up the language naturally, just by getting drawn into these compelling stories and characters. And you're not just a passive viewer, you're actively engaging with the language, figuring out how it all works, and expanding your vocabulary in a way that feels so much more natural. And with AI-powered tools in the mix, you can really amp up that engagement, especially for the TOEFL speaking section.

(13:23 - 13:42)
Imagine getting instant feedback on your pronunciation as you practice speaking, along with movie scenes. Or what about getting personalized movie recommendations that actually align with what you need to work on for the TOEFL? It's pretty incredible what's possible now. It's like having your own personal language tutor built into your streaming service.

(13:42 - 13:50)
Exactly. But, you know, beyond the practical benefits, there's also something really special about connecting with different cultures through movies. Absolutely.

(13:50 - 14:08)
It's like they transport you to these different worlds, broaden your perspective, and help you build empathy and understanding across languages and borders. It's about recognizing that language and culture go hand in hand. Words aren't just about their dictionary definitions, they carry with them all these cultural values, beliefs, and traditions.

(14:09 - 14:27)
And movies give you this incredible window into all of that, allowing you to experience those nuances firsthand. That can be so valuable as you prepare to interact with people from diverse backgrounds during your TOEFL journey. So as we close out our cinematic exploration, I want to leave you with a question to think about.

(14:28 - 14:51)
What movie would you choose to help you learn English or get ready for the TOEFL? Ooh, that's a good one. And what kinds of activities would you do with that movie to make sure the learning really sticks? Would you make flashcards with key vocabulary from the movie? Would you practice role-playing dialogues with a friend? Maybe even write a movie review where you analyze the language and cultural themes? The possibilities are endless. Exactly.

(14:51 - 15:02)
The key is to be intentional about it, to actively engage with the language, and to make the learning process your own. So to all you language learners out there, the world of cinema is your oyster. That's right.

(15:02 - 15:10)
Go watch, learn, and discover how movies can transform your English language journey. Who knows, you might even discover your new favorite film along the way. Happy watching, everyone.