The use of audiovisual material in the translation into Spanish classroom. A motivational tool for language students

Nazaret Pérez Nieto Lecturer in Spanish HEA Fellow Cardiff University In recent years there has been an increase in the interest of audiovisual entertainment platforms to broadcast material in the Spanish language, particularly TV series and films. These materials constitute a unique tool for Spanish language teachers, as they provide instructors with resources that reflect daily life, in which grammar and vocabulary are used in context, and where the use of visual images aid students' in their learning. The effectiveness of the use of videos in the foreign language classroom to aid with learning has been proved in literature. A study undertaken by Canning-Wilson (2000) reveals that “students like learning a language through the use of video and that the learners prefer action and entertainment films.” Given the importance of independent learning in Higher Education and the reduced number of contact hours with students, teachers have to take advantage of language classes. This can be achieved by bringing materials that encourage students to continue learning and challenge themselves outside of the classroom. The use of audio-visual resources, specifically the use of TV series and films in the translation classes, can play an important role in students' motivation. They contribute to create a more dynamic and engaging teaching environment, as they receive a better response to traditional activities from students as TV series/films viewers. This paper aims to provide an overview on the use of different audiovisual activities within the Spanish translation language classroom in Cardiff University, analysing the impact these activities have in the students' motivation and attitudes towards learning a second language.